What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

It is necessary to have a professional teeth cleaning every six months to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and to identify any oral health issues before they develop into problems.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

During a professional teeth cleaning, a small mirror and a tool are used to remove plaque and tartar, usually around the gum line and between the teeth. The dentist checks for signs of inflammation around the gums or teeth, and at the end of the procedure, a thorough cleaning is done, often with flossing to encourage proper oral hygiene habits.

What is a Teeth and Gum Examination?

A teeth and gum examination checks for cavities and gum disease. X-rays may be taken to identify small cavities not visible to the naked eye. The dentist will also evaluate the risk of other oral health problems and suggest preventive or corrective measures.

What is Polishing and Flossing?

During a professional cleaning, the dentist will polish and floss your teeth to ensure you start your next six-month visit with clean teeth. This is both a habit-building practice and a demonstration of proper cleaning technique.

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. This is crucial because if left untreated, it can lead to cavities and other dental issues.

What Happens During Professional Brushing?

Professional brushing at the dentist’s office ensures thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, setting you up for proper home hygiene habits.

Why is Flossing Important?

Flossing is important as it removes debris trapped between teeth that is difficult to remove with brushing alone, contributing to better dental hygiene.

Why are Routine Dental Cleanings Important?

Routine cleanings are crucial because most patients lack the skills or knowledge to remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces and the gum line effectively.

What Is the Process for Getting Dental Implants?

March 18, 2025

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Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-looking, and functional solution. If you’re considering this treatment, you may be wondering: What is the process for getting dental implants?

At Ammons Dental By Design, our expert team follows a scientifically backed, patient-centered approach to ensure long-term implant success. Let’s walk through the step-by-step process so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Oral Examination

Your journey starts with a comprehensive dental evaluation, during which we:

Perform a detailed oral health assessment (checking gum health and bite alignment)
Take digital X-rays or 3D CBCT scans to assess bone structure
Review your medical history (checking for conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis)
Discuss your treatment options and expectations

Did You Know?
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), over 3 million Americans have dental implants, and the number is growing annually by 500,000.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density
No active periodontal disease or uncontrolled medical conditions
Non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for healing
If you have bone loss or gum disease, additional preparatory procedures may be required.

Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)

Some patients may require preliminary treatments to create a stable foundation for their implants. These may include:

Tooth Extraction: Removing damaged or failing teeth.
Bone Grafting: Strengthening the jawbone using bone from another part of your body or synthetic materials.
Sinus Lift: Raising the sinus membrane to make space for implants in the upper jaw.

Healing from these procedures can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before moving forward with implant surgery.

Step 3: Dental Implant Surgery

How Is the Implant Placed?

A small incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone.
A titanium implant post is surgically inserted into the bone.
The gum tissue is stitched closed, allowing osseointegration (fusion of bone and implant).

Healing Time: 3-6 months for the bone to fully integrate with the implant.

Safety First: At Ammons Dental By Design, we use advanced surgical techniques and guided implant placement for precision and minimal discomfort.

Step 4: Osseointegration and Healing

During the osseointegration phase, your jawbone grows around the implant, securing it just like a natural tooth root.

Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods (soups, mashed potatoes) to avoid pressure on the implant.
Oral Hygiene: Brush gently around the area to prevent infection.
Follow-Ups: Regular check-ups ensure proper healing.

Clinical Data: According to the Journal of Oral Implantology, success rates for dental implants range between 95-98% when placed by experienced professionals.

Step 5: Abutment Placement

Once healing is complete, an abutment (a small connector) is attached to the implant. This holds the final crown in place.

Healing Time: 1-2 weeks for gums to adjust.
Minimally Invasive: A quick and simple procedure with local anesthesia.

Step 6: Custom Crown Placement (Final Restoration)

Your final crown is designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. You can choose:

Porcelain crowns (most natural appearance)
Zirconia crowns (exceptionally durable)

Once placed, your implant functions just like a real tooth!

Step 7: Aftercare and Maintenance

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Essential Tips for Long-Term Success:

Brush & Floss Daily: Keep plaque buildup at bay.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases implant failure risk by 2-3 times.
Regular Dental Checkups: Visit every 6 months for cleaning and monitoring.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Permanent & Long-Lasting – Unlike dentures, implants last a lifetime with proper care.
Look & Feel Natural – Designed to match your existing teeth seamlessly
Preserve Jawbone Health – Prevents bone loss and facial sagging.
No Slipping or Discomfort – Unlike dentures, implants stay in place.
Eat, Smile & Speak Confidently – Enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.

Fun Fact: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dental implants have a higher success rate than bridges or dentures in long-term studies.

FAQs

Is getting a dental implant painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, ensuring minimal discomfort. Most patients report only mild soreness, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does the entire dental implant process take?

The full process, including healing, can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months, depending on individual cases.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes! Dental implants have a 95-98% success rate and are FDA-approved for long-term tooth replacement.

How much do dental implants cost?

Costs vary based on case complexity, but we offer customized treatment plans and financing options to fit your budget.

How long does it take for gums to heal after extractions for implants?

Healing times vary, but typically:

After tooth extraction: 3 to 6 months for full healing before implant placement.
After implant placement: 3 to 6 months for osseointegration (bone fusion).

Do I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?

If you’ve had long-term tooth loss, your jawbone may have deteriorated. A bone graft strengthens the area before implant placement. Your dentist will determine if you need this during the consultation.

Do dental implants look natural compared to braces results?

Yes! Dental implants are custom-designed to match your surrounding teeth in shape, color, and size, offering a completely natural look. Unlike braces, which realign teeth, implants provide a permanent replacement for missing teeth.

Do you get stitches with dental implants?

Yes, minor stitches are placed after implant surgery to promote healing. They dissolve naturally or are removed after 7-10 days.

Can a dental implant be done in one day?

Yes! Some patients qualify for same-day implants, but healing and final crown placement still require a few months.

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