People who have missing teeth that make it embarrassing to smile and hard to chew certain foods now have a treatment to help them. There is an alternative to awkward false teeth that don’t always fit right and must be removed at night. Many high-quality dental clinics such as Family Dentistry & Implant Center in Ashburn offer a complete line of dental services including dental implants.

First: The Exam and Consultation

The first step in getting dental implants is to have a dental exam. Next, the dentist will consult with the patient and tell them what was found in the exam. Gum disease and tooth cavities must be treated before tooth implants can be considered. Stained teeth with tartar buildup must be cleaned. When the mouth is healthy, it is ready for implant consideration.

Second: Is A Tooth Implant Right For The Patient?

The tooth implant specialist at the dental clinic must examine and evaluate a person’s gums and jawbone. The bone of the jaw must be dense enough to hold the implant. There must be enough jaw bone structure to hold the implant or implants. It might be necessary to graft soft tissue or bone to the area needing the implant. In some cases, small diameter implants can be used.

Dentists or oral surgeons will make a determination based on the patient’s bone and gum condition, personal habits, and willingness to follow the aftercare instructions. Smokers will be asked to quit smoking. The dental professional will inform the prospective implant patient about the implant process and the costs. They will determine how many appointments the procedure will take and what aftercare will be needed. Then, the patient can decide if this solution is right for them.

Third: The Implant Procedure

When it is a go for the implant procedure, there are steps to be taken. First, there is a small pilot hole drilled in each location in the jaw that will receive a tooth implant. A surgical guide may be used. Then, these small holes are slowly enlarged to hold the implant screw. Next, the screw is then added and gum tissue is secured over the implant. Finally, a protective cover screw is added. The site or sites are allowed time to heal before the crown is installed.

There are recovery time and hygiene requirements to be followed. For additional information, go to the clinic website.