Why Are Dental Implants a Multi-Appointment Process?

If you're looking into having missing teeth replaced, you may have learned about dental implants. Unlike some other dental replacement methods, dental implants typically require more than one appointment to get them fully set up. If you're wondering why this is and whether it's worth spending the extra time, here's what you should know.

The Difference Between Teeth Replacements

The biggest difference between the most common dental replacements — dentures, bridges, and implants — is the way that they work. Dentures and bridges are designed to sit on top of your gums and are supported either by adhesive or surrounding teeth, respectively. This typically means that fewer appointments are necessary in order to get from start to finish. However, dental implants offer a perk that dentures and dental bridges simply can't, which makes it worth the extra time.

Why It's Worth the Wait

Dental implants are designed to go under the gums, rather than sitting on top of them. This comes with tons of perks over dentures and dental implants. For example, you won't experience any gum rubbing from dentures, or strain on healthy teeth from dental bridges.

However, the real bonus of dental implants is the way that they work with your bones. Dental implants are actually seated in your own jaw bone, securing them extremely firmly. This means that you don't have to worry about your implant wiggling or falling out. Once the implant is completed, it will also help to strengthen your jaw bone and improve gum circulation, which can help to keep surrounding healthy teeth intact.

What to Expect

While there may be some extra visits required for dental implants, it really isn't a big deal. Here's what you should expect.

Your first appointment will be a consultation and exam. Your dentist will likely take a look at your teeth and may also take dental x-rays to find out what's going on under the surface. From there, your dentist will determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, you can continue on to the next step.

Your second appointment will be setting up the implant pegs themselves. This is a dental surgical procedure that requires making an incision in your gums and placing the implants inside. Your dentist will ensure that you're fully anesthetized so that you don't experience any pain.

After that, you'll go home and wait a while until the gums have fully sealed up around the dental implants. As this waiting process goes on, the bones will also knit closed around the base of the implant, helping to secure it.

Once the healing process is complete, you'll go in one more time to have the crowns mounted on top of the implant. With that, the entire process is complete, and you'll have a new set of teeth that can potentially last for decades if treated well.

Talk to a dentist to learn more about dental implant procedures

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