When you first visit us, we will evaluate your oral health, ask about your medical history, learn about your goals for treatment, and answer any questions you might have about the road ahead. We may also use advanced imaging technology to get an in-depth look at your oral anatomy. Before we approve you for implant placement surgery, you might need to undergo one or more preliminary treatments. For example, some patients require extractions, a bone graft, or gum disease treatment.
Your consultation is also an excellent time to discuss the financial aspects of dental implant services. We are a dental insurance-friendly dental office, and we are pleased to accept CareCredit financing.
Dental Implant SurgeryPlacing dental implants is a surgical procedure that requires a high level of precision, so most dental offices need to refer their patients to an outside specialist for this step. However, that’s not the case here at Pelican Landing Dental! Dr. Lacy Gilbert, DMD, MICOI, FAGD, has advanced training in implant dentistry and has even earned a Mastership in Dental Implants. She will personally ensure your comfort and confidence every step of the way on your journey to your new smile.
During your initial dental implant surgery, one or more dental implants will be inserted into your jawbone. Although the procedure requires a high level of training and education, the basic idea behind it is actually fairly simple. Your dentist will make an incision in the soft tissue, and the implant is placed into the bone. Then, the incision is closed so you can begin the healing process. We use anesthesia and sedation to ensure that our patients are comfortable during their surgery. Most people are able to go back to work within a day or two of their surgery.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment PlacementFollowing implant placement, patients need to wait two to five months before receiving their replacement teeth. During this time, a process known as osseointegration occurs. This is the fusion between the implant posts and the jawbone that allows the dental implants to mimic the natural function of tooth roots. Once your implants have fused with the bone, we will expose the dental implants again and attach abutments that will eventually hold your restoration(s) in place.
Delivery of Dental Implant RestorationsAfter your abutments are in place, we’ll take some images and impressions of your mouth. They will serve as the basis for designing your custom restorations, whether you are receiving a crown, a bridge, or an implant denture. A dental laboratory will fabricate the restorations according to our detailed instructions. We’ll thoroughly evaluate the quality of your restorations before we secure them in your mouth. Then, you can go and enjoy your new smile!