The Dental Implant Procedure Spokane, WA
Everyone deserves a beautiful smile and should feel confident in public. The dental implant procedure helps many regain confidence after tooth loss occurs. The process for dental implant placement has never been easier for patients, and many achieve an attractive smile within a few short months.
At our dentist office, we help patients through the dental implant procedure, from the initial consultation to providing follow-up care after treatment is complete. We also strive to educate each patient on the process and answer any questions we receive along the way.
If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant procedure, call Brooke M. Cloninger, D.D.S. at (509) 319-2152 today and schedule a time to come in for your first visit.
Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 19% of adults aged 65 and over experience complete tooth loss (edentulism). Fortunately, dental implant procedures have a high success rate. There are cosmetic, functional, and oral health benefits to this treatment that other teeth replacement options may not be able to provide. The dental implant procedure consists of a series of steps to complete the dental implant and replacement tooth process, which typically involves preparation, placement, and follow-up care.
The primary purpose of the first visit is to help the patient make an informed decision about treatment. The dentist may start by discussing the patient’s goals for treatment, conducting an oral examination, and ordering dental X-rays to get a better idea as to what preparations the patient needs. The patient can ask any questions during this time, as well. If both our team and the patient agree to move forward, then we can discuss the next steps to take in the process.
“The dental implant procedure consists of a series of steps to complete the dental implant and replacement tooth process, which typically involves preparation, placement, and follow-up care.”
Preparing for the Procedure and Remaining Calm
Each one of our patients may have a slightly different experience. However, there are certain steps we take to ensure that our patients are ready for the day of the procedure.
At-Home Preparation
While the first dental implant procedure may cause some anxiety, patients can reduce stress and nervousness by properly preparing at home the night before. Our team will provide a list of instructions before the day of the placement procedure, which may include avoiding certain foods or fasting.
We also encourage patients to shop for soft foods to have after the procedure in advance to make the recovery process more convenient. Although it may not be easy, patients need to get a decent night of sleep the night before the placement procedure.
How to Calm Fear and Anxiousness
Communication is essential when dealing with fear and anxiety before your dental implant placement procedure. We encourage patients to ask questions about the procedure, especially as it pertains to preparing ahead of time. We will gladly do all we can to make the process as easy and convenient as possible.
“While the first dental implant procedure may cause some anxiety, patients can reduce stress and nervousness by properly preparing at home the night before.”
Finding the Right Option for You
Dental implant surgery involves replacing natural tooth roots with artificial roots using metal, screw-like posts that hold an artificial tooth, such as a crown or bridge. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type of implant and the condition of the patient’s jawbone. The patient can generally choose whether they prefer a fixed or removable artificial tooth replacement. A fixed appliance is one that stays permanently in the mouth, whereas a removable appliance can be taken out for cleaning and repair.
It is important to weigh out the benefits of each to determine the right choice for you. Some factors to consider: how many teeth are missing, how much bone and tissue is available, ability to clean mouth adequately, and cost of treatment. For patients with most or all missing teeth, a removable appliance is often better as the gums and teeth can be thoroughly cleaned whereas patients with only one or a few missing teeth are likely better off with a fixed appliance to secure the tooth between surrounding natural teeth. It is also important to note how much bone and tissue is available and whether a bone graft may be necessary for a fixed appliance. Lastly, some patients may prefer one to the other because of cleanliness or cost.
“A fixed appliance is one that stays permanently in the mouth whereas a removable appliance can be taken out for cleaning and repair.”
Duration and Success Rate of Treatment
The dental implant procedure can take several months to complete as there are many steps involved and healing periods in between. Implant treatment requires frequent healing and waiting times to allow new bone to grow in the jaw. However, depending on the patient’s case, some steps may be combined to shorten the total duration of treatment. Also, some patients may not require bone grafting, which may eliminate another step.
Dental implant procedures have a success rate of about 95% with first-ever patients reaching 20 years of successful results. Dental bridges and dentures can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Frequent follow-up appointments are included in a patient’s treatment plan to account for any changes or alterations needed throughout the duration of treatment and after.
“Dental implant procedures have a success rate of about 95% with first-ever patients reaching 20 years of successful results.”
Home Care After the Dental Implant Procedure
Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process, but it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine. To recover quickly and minimize discomfort after implant placement, implement the following home care techniques:
- Stick to a soft diet. Avoid foods that are hard to chew, high in sugar, or high in carbohydrates. Also, avoid any beverages that may irritate the affected area, primarily drinking water.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush gently several times each day and use mouthwash as directed by the dentist. Gentle brushing reduces the risk of oral infection, gum inflammation, and increased discomfort.
- Avoid physical activity. Physical activity such as sports, weight lifting, and running, may aggravate the affected area. The risk of aggravating the affected area is especially high if one receives a blow to the face. Talk to the dentist about what activities patients need during recovery.
“Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process, but it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dental Implant Procedure
Q. How long does a dental implant procedure take?
A. Every patient is different, but it typically takes between four to eight months to complete all stages of the dental implant procedure. The dental implant must go through osseointegration, which involves the implant fusing with the surrounding bone. This process takes between three to six months.
Q. Is the dental implant procedure painful?
A. There is typically discomfort following the placement of the implant, although the procedure itself is generally not discomforting for the patient. To minimize discomfort, consider eating soft foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and taking a pain reliever that is recommended by your dentist.
Q. Will I have to make drastic changes to my lifestyle after a dental implant procedure?
A. Not really. Dental implants are artificial teeth that do not require excess oral hygiene. In many cases, the patient will only have to brush and floss their teeth like normal. Along with that, the patient will be able to continue eating most types of food with dental implants.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for the dental implant procedure?
A. WebMD states that millions of Americans suffer tooth loss. Anyone who is not happy with their smile, oral health, or missing teeth should consider the benefits of the dental implant procedure. Patients should be willing and able to endure minor oral surgery to allow for proper placement of the implant.
Q. How long is the recovery period after dental implantation?
A. The average recovery time for dental implant surgery is between 6 to 8 months. However, cases vary from patient to patient and some conditions may require a longer period. Recovery also depends largely on the patient’s adherence to oral hygiene practices.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental implant procedure?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. What happens during the dental implant procedure?
Q. What is the duration and success rate of dental implant treatment?
Call Us Today
Call us at (509) 319-2152 or get in touch via email to learn more about the dental implant procedure or to schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation. Our friendly staff is willing and able to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process.
Brooke M. Cloninger, D.D.S. is located at
2001 E 29th Ave
Spokane, WA
99203
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015
About our business, license, and website security
- Brooke M. Cloninger, D.D.S. was established in 2005
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Veradale, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, Mead, Colbert
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