6 Steps to Rebuilding Your Smile with Dental Implants

Are you forgoing dental implants due to the lengthy process or fear of oral surgery? Learning more about implants, how they work, and the process of implanting teeth can help you feel more comfortable with this treatment. At Whiting Dental in Mesa, Arizona, we want you to get the best that restorative treatment has to offer in replacing lost teeth. In this post, Drs. Ben Whiting and Scott Stauffer guide you through the different steps of the implant process to give you a better understanding of this treatment.

6 Steps to Rebuilding Your Smile with Implants

Step 1 – Consultation

Your implant journey starts with a consultation with your Mesa, AZ, dentist to determine if implants are a good choice for you. At this time, Dr. Whiting or Dr. Stauffer will evaluate your oral and jawbone health, review your medical history, and take x-rays and 3D imaging of your mouth to understand better how to plan your treatment. We’ll also discuss your implant options, review the procedure, and answer any questions you may have about this treatment.

Step 2 – Treatment Planning

Using advanced imaging technology, we’ll map out a treatment plan conducive to your dental needs, including the number of implants you need, the type of implant and restoration to use, where the implants will be placed, and when to schedule surgery. We’ll also factor tooth extraction services or bone grafting into your procedure if necessary.

Step 3 – Implant Placement

Implants are small titanium screws that are placed in your jawbone surgically to support your new teeth. The procedure is done using a local anesthetic and sedation for those who want it. Dr. Whiting or Dr. Stauffer will make an incision in your gum tissue, drill a small hole in your jawbone, insert the implants, and suture your gum closed to heal.

Step 4 – Osseointegration

After the implants are placed, there’s a waiting period of four to six months for osseointegration. This is the process of the implants integrating with surrounding bone tissue to secure them in place permanently. It’s vital to your treatment as the implants will function like tooth roots in supporting your new teeth.

Step 5 – Abutment Placement

After the implants heal, your Mesa, AZ, dentist will re-open your gum and attach abutments to connect the implants to your new teeth. Then, we’ll wait a few weeks for the abutments to heal.

Step 6 – Placement of Implant Teeth

Finally, we’ll attach your new restorations (dental crown, fixed bridge, or implant dentures), which were custom-made to complete your smile. We’ll schedule follow-up visits as needed to ensure your implants and implant teeth are healthy and fully functional.

Come to Whiting Dental for a Positive Dental Implant Experience!

For safe and effective implant treatment near me, contact Dr. Ben Whiting or Dr. Scott Stauffer from Whiting Dental in Mesa, AZ, at (480) 870-4400.

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