Dental implants are artificial dental roots that can replace missing or damaged teeth. The complete structure includes the implant, an abutment, and a crown. The implant is inserted into your jawbone, and the bone that surrounds it grows over time, securing the implant in place. The implant is subsequently connected to the replacement teeth (crown) with a metal connection (abutment), closing the gap.
Examination
On your initial visit to the clinic, we will do a thorough examination of your mouth. This will include some x-rays and scans along with self-examination. Here, you will be required to give full disclosure of your health and whether or not you are taking any medicines to check your candidacy for the procedure. Once your candidacy is approved, we will prepare you for the next steps.
Gum preparation
Your next appointment will begin with numbing the area with a local anesthetic to make you feel more comfortable throughout the procedure. We will then extract any damaged or remaining pieces of your teeth from your gums. If an ample amount of healthy bone is present in your mouth, the implant will be placed in your gums in the same appointment. Otherwise, an alveolar bone graft will be placed to get a solid base for the implant. Your gums will then be left to heal for a few months.
Implant placement
Once the availability of sufficient solid bone in your gums is confirmed, you will be called for an appointment where the implant will be placed in your jawbone. We will place the implant using special dental tools and drills, cover it with a healing cap, and finally, cover the gums. We will then schedule a few follow-up consultations for you during the healing period. These consultations will help us keep track of your progress.
Abutment and crown placement
On your next appointment, after your healing period ends, we will place the abutment on your implant, which is the metal connector. We'll take an imprint of the abutment and create a personalized crown for you that will be bonded to it.Â
Please reach out to Cascade Dental Group in Salem, OR, to consult with our Dentists in Salem OR, Dr. Dahl and Dr. Coulombe. Please call us at (503) 399-0724 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
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