What to expect: The procedure for dental implants

By Dr. Miller

Dental implants are a popular solution for filling a gap in your smile, or stabilizing a set of dentures. The modern dental implant technique has been in use for over 50 years. In that time, it has been refined and improved, to become one of the most predicable dental procedures. However, many people are concerned about the process. What does it involve?

Gentle technique

The procedure for placing a dental implant is considered an oral surgery. While the term may sound intimidating, it is actually a very minor procedure. First, the area is numbed completely, so that you remain comfortable throughout the process. Next, a tiny incision is made in the gums, and the implant is precisely inserted into the jawbone.

You might be wondering what you will feel when the anesthetic wears off. The answer is very little! Some patients report no aftereffects. Others experience mild soreness, or possibly slight swelling at the site of the implant. It is usually compared to the feeling after a tooth has been extracted. If you have any soreness, it should be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers, and dissipate very quickly.

What's next?

You may have heard that it takes months to heal from implant surgery. However, that's a little misleading. Your gums will heal, and soreness fades, very quickly. What takes time is a process known as osseointegration. It is not painful, and you won't even feel it happening.

Implants are made of a biocompatible material that is easily accepted by living bone. The bone grows around it, and creates new cells that are actually attached to the implant. Within a few months, the bone and the implant have fused, creating a rock-solid foundation, just like a natural tooth root.

Finishing touches

Once osseointegration is complete, your new tooth or teeth will be added. We use the latest dental porcelain, and the artistic principles of cosmetic smile design to create stunning, natural-looking restorations. Due to the stability of implants, you will never have to worry about false teeth slipping out of place, or falling out of your mouth.

Your whole, beautiful, healthy smile is only a phone call away. Contact our office, located in Lawrence, KS, at (888) 993-1707 and schedule a consultation to find out if implants are right for you.

Dr. Kelly Miller

Dr. Kelly Miller is a distinguished dentist with over a decade of experience dedicated to holistic and biological dental care. A Lawrence native, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and a master's in Biomedical Science from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Her research experience at KU's Department of Medicinal Chemistry enriches her scientific approach. Dr. Miller completed her doctorate in dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2009. At Lawrence Dental Solutions, she continues her father's legacy, emphasizing patient-centered care and overall well-being.

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