26
Sep
Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Implants with Dr. Taylor G. Barton at Intentional Smiles
At Intentional Smiles of Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. Taylor G. Barton and his team are committed to providing their patients with a wide range of specific solutions to restore the function and health of their smiles. This includes both the placement and restoration of dental implants. Quality dental implants are a great choice for patients looking for long-term options for replacing missing teeth and restoring their smiles after tooth extraction and loss. But dental implants don’t happen overnight. There is a process for getting dental implants with providers that offer this service.
Let’s look at the steps required to obtain these dental restorations.
What are the four steps in the process of getting dental implants?
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Dr. Barton will first schedule a consultation appointment to decide if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. During this step, he performs a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is to determine the overall health of these structures and identify any underlying issues that may affect the implant procedure. He also performs dental x-rays and 3D scans of your mouth and teeth to evaluate the condition of your bone and tissue to determine your candidacy.
Based on your examination and evaluation results, our team will create a personalized treatment plan for you. This dental plan will outline the specific steps and procedures needed to complete your dental implant process, including the number of implants needed and any additional treatments required.
Surgical procedure.
The next step to getting implants is the surgical placement of the implant or implants. This involves using a 3D surgical guide, custom-fit to your teeth, to perform the surgical procedure through the smallest opening possible. This improves clinical outcomes, reduces healing time, and reduces treatment time. A custom healing abutment or temporary crown is placed in the implant and directs the gum tissue in healing.
Healing and osseointegration.
After surgery, it takes time for the implant to integrate fully with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it typically takes three to four months to complete. During this time, your bone heals into microscopic pores on the implant, providing an extremely stable foundation for your replacement teeth.
Final restoration.
Once the implant has fully integrated, our experienced dental team takes digital scans of your mouth to create custom-made crowns or bridges that will be attached to the implant. These prosthetic teeth are designed to look and feel like natural teeth and are permanently fixed in place. This final step completes the process of getting dental implants and leaves you with a beautiful, functional smile that can last a lifetime.
Is there a dentist in my area that does dental implants?
Dr. Taylor Barton and his team are excited to offer implants as a solution for patients who need to repair their smiles. Call (405) 348-2266 to request an appointment at our office.