If you are looking for a dramatic change in your smile, dental implants could be right for you. When it comes to implants, be ready for the timeline and know what to expect. Going through the dental implant process is well worth the amazing results. Read on to learn more about what to expect in terms of time and the steps involved.

Being Evaluated for Implants

Once you speak to your dentist about your desire for dental implants, several matters should be addressed. You should be in good health in general because some minor surgery will be required, and you will be using some form of anesthesia. Also, your dental health should be good. If you have a few procedures that are needed, such as a root canal or a gum disease issue, your dentist will likely advise you to get that taken care of before you do anything else. If a damaged tooth must be removed, the inflammation in that area should be allowed to calm down before anything else can be done.

Judging Your Bone Strength

Dental implants depend on your jawbones to hold them in. That is what makes implants so long-lasting. Some people don't have good bone density in their jaws, though. Your dentist will use X-rays and other forms of diagnostics to determine your bone density. If your jawbones are not suitable, you may be referred to have a bone graft performed.

Bone graft procedures, which are simple outpatient matters, put back bone material that has been lost over time. The grafts take time to become part of your jawbone. The amount it takes to fully graft varies. Also, your mouth and jaw area will need time to heal from the bone graft procedure. It can take several weeks for that to happen. Then, you may be ready for your implants.

Traditional Dental Implant Surgery

Your dentist will discuss your anesthesia options prior to the day of the surgery. The procedure is often quick and easy. The dentist will make a tiny incision into your gum and insert the post of the implant. A stitch is made to secure the wound.

Again, you must wait for the surgery site to heal before the remainder of the implant process can be completed. Once healed, your dentist will top the post with an abutment which holds the visible top of the implant, the crown. Your implant is now ready to go.

To find out more about dental implant services, speak to your dentist.