Gaps in your smile can make everyday activities like chewing or speaking feel awkward, and they might even lead to discomfort or pain over time. Beyond that, missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, leading to bite issues or further complications. You may find yourself avoiding certain foods, smiling less, or feeling self-conscious in social settings.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we strive to make the dental implant process as smooth and comfortable as possible. As prosthodontists, we’ve received extensive training in restorative and cosmetic procedures, making us uniquely equipped to handle dental implant cases of any complexity. With same-day dentistry options, we also aim to minimize your visits and streamline the process so you can enjoy your new smile sooner.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, you might wonder what the process entails. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for missing teeth, but understanding the steps involved can help ease any concerns you may have.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
The first step in getting dental implants is a thorough consultation. During this visit, your oral health, goals, and concerns will all be evaluated. This might involve taking digital scans and X-rays to understand the structure of your jawbone and determine if it’s strong enough to support implants. Your jawbone must have sufficient density because the implant needs a stable base to anchor to, much like how a tree needs solid ground to grow.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs will be created. Every smile is different, and so is every implant procedure. Whether you need a single implant, multiple implants, or a full-mouth restoration, a plan will be proposed that fits your lifestyle and budget. They will go over the entire process, from preparing the site to placing the implant and attaching the final crown, so you know what to expect at each step.
Step 3: Placing the Implant
Using local anesthesia and advanced surgical techniques, the implant — a small titanium post — will be placed into your jawbone. The implant acts as a new root for your tooth, providing a stable base for the final restoration. Over the next few months, the implant will naturally fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration, which is crucial for the stability and success of the implant.
Step 4: Healing and Temporary Restoration
During the healing period, the implant will integrate fully with your jawbone, creating a solid foundation for the new tooth. During this time, you may be provided with a temporary restoration to maintain the appearance and function of your smile while the implant settles. The healing process typically takes a few months, and your progress will be monitored through follow-up visits, ensuring everything heals as it should and addressing any concerns along the way.
Step 5: Attaching the Abutment
Once the implant has integrated with your jawbone, the next step is attaching an abutment — a small connector piece that secures the final crown to the implant. This is a minor procedure that doesn’t take long, and it serves as the bridge between the implant and your new tooth.
With the abutment in place, a digital impression will be taken to create a custom crown that matches the shape and color of your natural teeth.
Step 6: Final Crown Placement
After the abutment is attached and impressions are taken, the final crown is fabricated using a high-tech CAD/CAM system. At Atlas Dental Specialists, we have the ability to create these crowns on-site, often in the same day, so you can leave our office with a complete smile restoration in one visit. The crown is carefully attached to the abutment, providing a functional and aesthetic solution that blends perfectly with your other teeth. This moment is often a turning point for patients — seeing the final result and enjoying the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently again can be incredibly rewarding.
Step 7: Follow-Up Care and Maintenance
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution, but proper care is essential for their success. Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your implant and ensure everything stays healthy. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting us for regular check-ups will help keep your new smile looking its best for years to come.
Choose Atlas Dental Specialists for Your Dental Implants
When it comes to dental implants, having the right team matters. At Atlas Dental Specialists, our prosthodontists have the advanced training needed for even the most complex cases, ensuring you receive high-quality, personalized care. We offer comprehensive solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and flexible payment options — all designed to make your implant experience as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, give us a call at (412) 281-9411 or fill out our contact form. Let’s work together to restore your smile and boost your confidence.
