The Dental Implant Process
Three Steps to a Beautiful Smile
Investing in dental implants will not only give you a permanent solution to your dental health problems but it will also give you a bright new smile. The dental implant process consists of three steps that happen over a course of a few months, all completed at our Nashville dental office.
1. Inserting the Fixture
Dental implant treatment starts with placing the implant fixture into the jawbone. During this visit to our Nashville dentist, Dr. Fleming creates a small hole in the jawbone where the implant fixture will be placed. After the procedure, the new implant post will be covered with a healing cap to protect the sensitive area and make sure you don’t lose dental function while you recover.
2. Recovery and Osseointegration
Once the fixture has been placed, the jaw begins to heal around the new implant post. Known as the process of osseointegration, this healing process ensures the fixture becomes a part of the smile and ensures it can support the other parts of the dental implant. As a result, the recovery process is extremely important and determines the success of the implant.
3. Attaching the Restoration
In the final step of the dental implant process, Dr. Fleming will place the abutment and crown once the fixture has fused with the jawbone. The abutment is placed first, in between the fixture and the crown, connecting them together. Lastly, the porcelain crown is mounted onto the abutment, completing the process.
Supplemental Treatments
While dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, not every patient immediately qualifies for implant treatment. During your consultation with Dr. Fleming, he will determine the state of your mouth and determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. If you don’t qualify, don’t be quick to dismiss dental implants. There might still be hope for you!
Supplemental treatments are used for patients who need help in getting to their desired goal. If your smile isn’t quite ready for dental implant placement these pre-treatments can prepare your mouth for implant placement. Two of the most common supplementary procedures include bone grafting and gum disease.
Bone Grafting
Bone GraftingBone grafts are often used when a patient is lacking jawbone mass. This procedure consists of using a small piece of tissue and attaching it to the portion of the jawbone missing sufficient mass. This helps improve the density of the jawbone and helps patients qualify for dental implant treatment.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common dental health problem that plagues a large number of Americans over the age of 30 and can cause serious consequences if left untreated. If you have gum disease and want dental implants, you will need to get it treated beforehand. During your consultation, Dr. Fleming will evaluate your gums and determine the best treatment solution for your condition. Treatment options available at Dentistry of Nashville include:
- Cleaning techniques: scaling, root planing, or debridement
- Antibiotics
- Soft Tissue Surgery
Learn about Dental Implants in Nashville
Contact Dentistry Of Nashville
Call Us 615-369-9471!
At Dentistry of Nashville, we strive to provide the best personalized treatment possible. Our dedicated dentist, Dr. Fleming, and skilled staff have advanced training and remain at the forefront of modern dentistry by continuing education. Our Nashville dental practice invests in the highest quality technology with the goal of providing the best results for our patients.