Our Dental Implant Process in Waco, TX
Beginning Your Dental Implant Journey
Missing teeth can easily be replaced with dental implants to create a beautiful smile, but how exactly does it work? While considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry, most patients are unfamiliar with the actual process. This can cause a bunch of misconceptions, such as people thinking the implant surgery is painful or too complicated. That’s why at Central Texas Dental Care, Dr. Sager and our team understand if you have questions or concerns about receiving dental implants.
To give you the best dental experience possible, our Waco office will develop a treatment plan that’s personalized to your oral health needs while also walking you through each step. By learning more about the process, you’ll not only ease any fears, but also receive a complete smile that’ll boost your confidence.
Your Initial Consultation
You’ll first need to have an initial consultation with one of our dentists before receiving your dental implants. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about the goals you have for your smile as well as ask any questions you may have. Your dentist will address any of your concerns and assure you that you are in capable hands. A full examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone will also be conducted to get a better understanding of what dental implant solution may be right for you. If your dentist determines that your jaw is too weak for implants, a supplemental treatment may be suggested.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
Your dentist will use the valuable information gathered during your consultation to create an individualized treatment plan. This will address any underlying dental issues that need attention while also improving the success rate of your implant process. The result is a strong, beautiful smile that’s sure to last.
Your treatment plan may include the following steps depending on your unique needs:
- Supplemental Treatment(s): These procedures are only recommended when you don’t have sufficient gum tissue or jawbone strength to fully support your dental implant. The best part is that a supplemental treatment can also strengthen your overall oral health too.
- Placement: Once you’re deemed eligible for dental implants, your dentist will begin the process of placing them directly to your jawbone and allow them to heal.
- Healing Period: Over a period of six months, your implants will gradually fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This ensures the long-term success of your dental implants.
- Final Restoration: You’ll return to our office so that your dentist can attach your dental crown to your fixture once the healing is complete. The result will be a beautiful smile that looks natural and is built to last.
Streamlining Your Dental Implant Process
At Central Texas Dental Care, our staff incorporates the latest technology to improve the accuracy, efficacy, and convenience of your procedure. This is to make sure that you receive the best dental experience possible. For example, instead of having to wait six months for dental implants, we can save you time and money with same-day restorations with our advanced in-house milling machine.
Unlike other practices, our Waco office features a digital X-ray unit and intraoral camera to examine your oral health and create dental implants that are sure to blend with the rest of your teeth. That way, you won’t have to worry about any cosmetic issues.
Sedation Options for Dental Implants
The idea of going through an invasive procedure can make patients feel nervous and even prevent them from receiving the dental care they need. Fortunately, our staff offers sedation dentistry for patients anywhere in the nearby Hewitt, Lorenna, and Robinson area.
Sedation allows patients to undergo their dental procedure without experiencing any anxiety. Our options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, that can be administered right before your treatment. As a result, you’ll feel calm and relaxed throughout your dental implant procedure, while our staff closely monitor your condition to ensure you’re comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
The time it takes to receive your dental implants depends on your oral health needs. Factors such as how many implants are being placed, the health of your mouth, and the need for supplementary treatments may also impact the length of the process. During your consultation, one of our expert dentists will be able to give you an accurate timeline.
Is the dental implant process painful?
Most patients are concerned that receiving dental implants is painful — this isn’t the case. Before your actual implant procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic or sedation so that you won’t experience any discomfort. While you may feel some sensitivity afterwards, this is easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress.
Can dental implants be placed the same day as extractions?
This depends on the condition of your jawbone, the extraction site, and your oral health. Most patients are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted and a dental implant placed the same day in a single appointment. For others who suffer from jawbone deterioration or had required a supplemental treatment, it may be best to give your implants the chance to heal first.
The best way to learn whether you’re a candidate for same-day implants is during your initial consultation with your dentist. They will be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of your gums and jawbone.
How much time do I have to take off from work for dental implants?
Our office recommends staying home from work the day after your dental implant surgery to allow any swelling and soreness to alleviate. It’s also important to take it easy for at least a week following your procedure to give your gums time to heal. Make sure to avoid tough foods, alcohol and smoking, strenuous activities, and drinking from a straw.
Take the Next Steps to a Beautiful Smile
At Central Texas Dental Care, we understand if you’re unsure about the dental implant process — that’s why we’re here to help. Our dentists and expert team are here to help you every step of the way and make sure that you receive the best care possible. Achieving the smile of your dreams is easier than you think.
If you live near our office in Waco or in the Hewitt, Lorenna, and Robinson area, contact us today by calling us at (254) 203-7405 or by filling out an online contact form. We look forward to giving you a smile that can boost your confidence in any social situation!
