The dental implant process

You’re 3-Steps away from an Unforgettable Smile

Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth-replacement options because they’re long-lasting, durable, and reverse the adverse effects of tooth loss. Among their many benefits, their permanence is another aspect that attracts patients, especially those who lived with dentures.

If you’re missing teeth and want to restore your smile with a proven solution, we encourage you to check out the steps in the dental implant process.

Step #1: Your Consultation

After reading through the implant process and deciding that they’re the right choice for your smile, the next step is a consultation with Dr. Spadafora. During this time, he’ll examine your mouth to make sure that you’re a candidate. Then, he’ll ask you a series of questions about your medical and dental history, as well as any lifestyle choices that can impact the procedure (E.g., are you a smoker?). Finally, he’ll want to know what you hope to gain from treatment—besides a beautiful new smile, of course.

If he determines that dental implants are right for you, you can schedule your implant placement appointment.

Step #2: Placing the Implant

When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Spadafora will use a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. Once you’re comfortable, he’ll make a small incision to expose the jawbone. He’ll place the implant fixture—the part of the implant that acts as the root of a natural tooth. This minor surgery is minimally invasive, and Dr. Spadafora can typically complete it in an hour and a half.

Dental implants are the ideal treatment for anyone missing teeth because they counteract the adverse effects, including gum disease and jawbone deterioration. The reason they’re so effective is because of the placement of the implant.

Once the surgery is complete, you’ll spend the next few weeks letting your jawbone bond with the implant through a process called osseointegration. To protect the implant, Dr. Spadafora will cover it with a temporary crown that’s fully functional, so you don’t have to worry about what you eat and drink.

While you’re healing, we’ll send impressions of your smile to a dental laboratory where they’ll design and manufacture a crown that’s identical to your natural teeth.

Step #3: Securing Your Permanent Restoration

The final step in the implant process is to secure your permanent dental crown. Dr. Spadafora will begin by removing the temporary crown and cleaning the area around the implant. After that, he’ll use the abutment—which rests on the implant fixture—to secure your brand new, beautiful porcelain crown. This process is much shorter than the previous appointment, typically lasting about 45 minutes. After testing your bite, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile to friends and family.

Start the Implant Process Today!

Even though the implant process takes longer than comparable treatments, the results are unmatched. If you’re interested in dental implants, you can start with Step #1 by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Spadafora. You can fill out the submission form to the right, or you can contact our office at 724-946-5078, and one of our friendly staff members can help you.