A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, you’re in good company.  Millions of people in the U.S. have opted for dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the only dental restoration that replaces the visible part of the tooth (crown) and the tooth root, thereby preventing loss of the jawbone and an altered facial appearance. Dental implants last at least 20 years and often much longer, supporting good oral and overall health.

Step 1: Determining Eligibility for Dental Implants

Your dentist will need to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. During this consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination. Next, you 

will have several painless imagining tests, including digital X-rays and impressions. These imaging tests will be used to confirm that you have sufficient jawbone to support a dental implant and to confirm you are free of infection in the jaw. They will also be used to create your custom dental crown. 

If you’re eligible for dental implants, your appointment to place the implant(s) will be scheduled. If you are not eligible during your consultation, your dentist will inform you of your options. If you do not have sufficient bone to support a dental implant, you may be referred for a bone grafting procedure, or your dentist will discuss other restorative treatments such as a dental bridge or dentures.  

Step 2: Surgery to Place Your Dental Implants

During this appointment, after the anesthesia has taken effect, and the jaw is numb, your dental implants will be surgically placed in the jaw. The implants (screws or posts) are made of a biocompatible material such as titanium or zirconia. You will be given post-surgical instructions for caring for the implants over the coming months. 

Over the next 4-6 months, an extraordinary process called osseointegration will take place. This is the process by which the jawbone fuses with the implant,  and the soft tissues grow up the implant, as they do with natural tooth roots.  

Step 3: Affixing the Permanent Crown to the Dental Implant

Once your dentist has confirmed that the implant has completely fused with the jawbone, your permanent crown will be affixed to the dental implant. The crown will match your other teeth in size, color, and shape. Your smile and bite force will both be restored after this final step.  

The process for receiving dental implants takes longer than other non-surgical dental restorations such as dental bridges or full or partial dentures.  However, dental implants are superior to other dental restorations in that they:

• Prevent further loss of jawbone
• Preserve your facial appearance
• Stabilize adjacent teeth (prevent drifting)
• Reduce the risk of additional tooth loss
• Improve oral health (reduce risk of periodontal disease)
• Restore bite force
• Last at least 20 years
• Do not require special tools to clean
• Restore self-confidence 
• Improve your quality of life

Book a Consultation for Dental Implants in Zachary, LA

At Fallin Family Dentistry in Zachary, Louisiana,  Dr. Lance Fallin and Dr. Shelly Fallin provide dental implant restorations to replace single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth in a row, and entire upper or lower arches of teeth. To schedule a consultation, call 225-654-2212 or send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept financing for dental implants?

Yes. Fallin Family Dentistry accepts all major credit cards and CareCredit, for flexible monthly payments. 

Does it hurt to get dental implants?

The dental implant procedure does not hurt, as the area being treated is completely anesthetized. Recovery from dental implant surgery may include tenderness, discomfort, and swelling, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol, and an anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen.