305-274-0047
So you’ve taken the time to find out exactly what dental implants are and what benefits you will experience should you choose to replace your missing teeth with them. You’ve also found the right dental implant provider for your needs.
Now, it’s time to learn about the process. Your dental implant process with Dr. Ted Herrmann is crafted to be as stress-free and comfortable. Read on to learn more.
The First Stage: Consultation
The first step to completing your smile using dental implants is to schedule a no-obligation consultation with holistic dentist Dr. Herrmann at our Miami, FL area office.
During this consultation, the doctor will thoroughly examine your oral health, gathering data on your overall condition to determine your candidacy for dental implants. He will also discuss your smile goals and what kind of results you are looking for.
With this consultation, Dr. Herrmann will be able to develop a treatment plan that will cover the entirety of your time at our office. Dr. Herrmann may recommend that you pursue a supplemental treatment before moving forward with the implant process.
Optional Stage: Supplemental Treatment
Some patients do not possess a jawbone or gums that are healthy enough to support treatment with dental implants right away.
However, suffering from problems like jawbone deterioration or gum recession doesn’t necessarily mean that you are forever barred from treatment with dental implants.
Fortunately, these patients can receive treatment with bone grafting or soft tissue augmentation, both of which can restore these structure, allowing them to continue with the dental implant process.
The Second Stage: Implant Placement
Once your mouth is ready, you will be able to have your dental implants placed. You will move forward with the implant placement surgery, during which an implant fixture is inserted into your jawbone, taking the place of your missing tooth’s root.
Once in position, the area will be stitched up to allow for healing. At this point, Dr. Herrmann may choose to attach an abutment and temporary replacement tooth to your implant fixture, though it is not uncommon for him to wait until after the recovery period before placing either of these parts.
The Third Stage: Recovery
Once your implant fixture is in place, it will need three to six months of time to heal. This period is very important to the implant process because this is when osseointegration occurs.
Osseointegration is a biological process where your jawbone regenerates itself, creating new bone tissue that fuses to the surface of the implant fixture. This new tissue also threads itself through small holes in the surface of the implant fixture, working to pull it permanently into place.
It is thanks to osseointegration that dental implants are provided with their many unique benefits.
The Final Stage: Restoration
Once your implant fixture has had enough time to heal and properly osseointegrate, you will be able to return to our office to have your restoration placed. At this point, an abutment will also be attached to your implant fixture if it wasn’t placed directly following your implant’s placement.
We provide three main types of restoration for our patients pursuing dental implants. These are porcelain crowns, for single missing teeth, and bridges and overdentures, for patients who are missing more than one tooth.
Regardless of which type of restoration you move forward with, it will be custom-made specifically for you based on scans we will take of your remaining natural teeth. This allows us to provide replacement teeth that fit in perfectly with your natural teeth, making them indistinguishable to outside observers.
Begin the Dental Implant Process Today
Are you sick and tired of your missing teeth and are ready to move forward with restoring those teeth using dental implants? It’s time to schedule your dental implant consultation to begin the process.
If you would like to meet with holistic dentist Dr. Ted Herrmann to discuss your dental implant treatment, please contact our office and schedule an appointment today. We also encourage you to check out our great financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
How long does the dental implant process take?
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that can last a lifetime. They’re surgically affixed to your jawbone, resulting in unmatched stability and durability. While the implant itself can last decades, you may need to replace the crown, bridge, or denture it’s attached to with normal wear and tear.
To ensure the longevity of your dental implant, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. In addition to following a regular oral hygiene routine, it’s important to schedule biannual appointments at our Maimi office.
During these visits, we’ll examine your dental implant and restoration to ensure they’re in excellent condition. We’ll also perform a professional cleaning and assess your teeth and gums so we can recommend any treatments or tips that will improve the health of your smile.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The duration of the dental implant process is different from patient to patient, depending on several factors. These include your oral health, how many implants are needed, and whether a supplemental procedure is required.
If you’re an ideal candidate, the process typically takes about 6 months. The duration of your treatment also depends on how long it takes your jawbone and gums to heal around the implant. Implants on the upper arch tend to take longer and healing time varies from patient to patient.
For an accurate time estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Herrmann. During this visit, he’ll review your oral health and create a customized treatment plan that will include a timeline. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our Miami office at (305) 274-0047 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.