Beginning the Dental Implant Process
Dr. Assi is experienced when it comes to giving patients a beautiful smile that’s ready for any occasion, while also boosting their confidence in the process. At Alpha Dental Practice, our staff is dedicated to giving you the most comfortable dental implant experience possible, so that you can leave our Coral Springs office enjoying the benefits of a renewed smile.
Want to know how we can replace your missing teeth with dental implants? Read more to learn about the steps of our dental implant process.
Step 1 – Your Initial Consultation
Your journey to a complete smile begins with an initial consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Assi will perform an examination of your teeth to assess your oral health and determine your unique smile-goals. He’ll also address any questions or concerns you may have about our dental implant process and make sure you’re confident in your treatment.
Once you’re deemed an ideal candidate for dental implants, Dr. Assi will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique oral health needs.
Optional – Supplemental Procedures
A supplemental procedure may be required for patients who don’t have the ideal oral health condition required for supporting dental implants. Such poor conditions can be receding gums and low jawbone density. Fortunately, these treatment options can allow patients to become candidates for dental implants and can be done here at our Coral Springs practice.
Dr. Assi will recommend supplemental procedures for patients only when necessary. These procedures will ensure that your implant has a higher chance of succeeding and staying secure in your mouth for many years to come.
Step 2 – Implant Placement
Once your jawbone and gums are ready for dental implants, Dr. Assi can begin the process. Before the start of your procedure, he’ll administer general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel anything while working on your teeth. Our staff will monitor your condition and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Dr. Assi will then attach a durable titanium fixture directly to your jaw, which will act as an anchor for your custom-made implants. Through a process known as osseointegration, these posts will fuse with your living bone to create a bond that’ll further strengthen your smile.
After the procedure is complete, Dr. Assi will give you a temporary abutment and crown while you wait for the surgical area to heal over the next few months.
Step 3 – Recovery Period
The recovery period of your smile after your first appointment will take between three to six months. This gives enough time for osseointegration to occur. During this time, it’s important to keep the surgical area clean and free from irritation. Following our post-operative surgery instructions can help your recovery go smoother without any complications.
While you may feel some discomfort after the procedure for a few days, this can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medicine. This subsides on its own in a couple of days. If you do experience prolonged pain, it’s important to call our Coral Springs office at (954) 228-8509 to receive immediate dental care.
Step 4 – Placement of Restorations
With your mouth fully healed and your titanium fixtures in place, you’re now ready to receive your permanent crowns. When you return to our office, all Dr. Assi has to do is simply place your porcelain crowns to complete your smile. After ensuring that your dental implants fits with the rest of your natural teeth, you’re all set to leave our office with a renewed smile.
Dr. Assi will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your dental implants and answer any questions you may have. During subsequent visits at Alpha Dental Practice, he’ll monitor your dental implants to make sure they continue to function properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dental implant process painful?
The process of receiving dental implants is virtually painless since Dr. Assi will have you undergo general anesthesia. During your initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or voice your concerns about the procedure. Our staff is dedicated to making sure your experience at our Coral Springs office is as comfortable as possible.
How do I take care of my dental implants after the procedure?
Dr. Assi will provide you with post-op instructions on how to care for your dental implants. Such instruction includes:
- Avoid crunchy or hard foods
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after eating.
- Avoid alcohol consumption or smoking during this stage of the procedure.
Once your surgical area has healed and your crowns are placed, caring for your dental implant becomes much easier. All you have to do is brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit our Coral Springs practice for biannual dental checkups with Dr. Assi.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the gradual process of your titanium implants fusing with your jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. This is important, as it stimulates healthy bone growth while also allowing your implants to act like a natural tooth. By keeping your jawbone strong, dental implants can preserve your facial appearance and prevent your teeth from shifting.
What can I eat after the dental implant procedure?
After your implant is placed, you should stick to soft foods that are easy to eat. Foods that are hard to chewy can upset the surgical area and complicate your recovery. For recovering patients, Dr. Assi recommends foods including cold soups, yogurt, and soft cheese.
Your Brand-New Smile With Dr. Assi
Dental implants are the perfect solution for permanently replacing your missing teeth. Our technology and advanced dental technology makes the process of receiving these restorations all the more easy. To find out more about how Dr. Assi can complete your smile, call our Coral Springs office at (954) 228-8509 or fill out an online contact form. We look forward to giving you the confidence that comes with a beautiful set of teeth!