Dental Implants: What Should I Expect from Treatment?

When you lose your tooth, there are few options to fill the gap, but none comes close to dental implants. A dental implant replaces your entire tooth alongside its root. This unique design restores your tooth function while preserving your jawbone structure, something no other tooth replacement can provide. The best part? Dental implants in Portland, Oregon, look natural and last many years, even a lifetime!

Dental Implants are the #1 recommended tooth replacement option, and Portland Dental is excited to offer them to our patients. Whether you have lost one or multiple teeth, reserve an appointment with Dr. Kaveendra Ranasinghe to take advantage of our expert implant dentistry services.

What can I expect from dental implant treatment?

The treatment starts with a consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns and what you’d like to achieve with treatment. Next, we’ll use digital X-rays and a 3D CBCT scanner to fully understand your oral health. Our advanced imaging tools help us visualize your jawbone structure, nerves, and other structures to determine the optimal position, angle, and depth to place your implant. We take time to plan your treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes.

After consultation and treatment planning, the rest of your treatment involves the following:

• Implant surgery: This procedure involves inserting a titanium post at a pre-determined location in the jawbone through surgery. The dentist first administers powerful anesthetics to ensure a painless dental experience. However, if you are anxious about the procedure, talk to our dentist about sedation dental care. The doctor concludes your treatment by applying sutures to your wound to kick-start healing.
• Healing: For the next 4-6 months, your implant will be left to heal and fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. During this phase, observe optimal oral hygiene, quit smoking, and honor your scheduled follow-up appointments. Biointegration is crucial to the entire implant treatment, so follow your dentist’s instructions for successful outcomes.
• Abutment placement: When your implant integrates successfully, you’ll return to our office for minor surgery to attach a small metal connector to your implant. This prosthetic tool (abutment) protrudes above the gum line to link your implant to the replacement teeth.
• Implant restoration: The dentist will cap off your implant with a crown, denture, or other appropriate restoration. With an eye for aesthetics, your new tooth will look and feel natural.

Dental implants are an investment in your confidence, oral health, and appearance. We’ve never seen any of our patients regret getting dental implants. Many of them express their joy after regaining the ability to eat comfortably, smile confidently, and use their teeth without worrying about stability.

How do I maintain my investment?

Dental implants last many years, but you should maintain them properly to enjoy their lifetime durability. The good thing is that caring for dental implants is simple.

It involves:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth diligently
• Six-month dental cleanings and check-ups
• Investing in a mouthguard if you brux teeth
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Avoiding using your teeth to bite on hard substances

Ready to restore your smile and confidence?

Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. Whether you have lost one or multiple teeth, Portland Dental can help you restore your smile. Call (503) 227-1693 to reserve an appointment with our team.