What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure in Tuckerton, NJ
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, you might be wondering what the procedure entails. At Tuckerton Dental, Tuckerton, NJ implant dentist, Dr. Ronald Petrosky guides you through each phase of the process with precision and care.
Contact Dr. Petrosky by calling (609) 296-1007 to understand the step-by-step dental implant procedure, so you can feel confident and well-informed as you move forward with your treatment.
The Dental Implant Procedure at Tuckerton Dental
Dental implant surgery is a multi-phase treatment that can take several months to complete. However, the results are well worth the wait. Here’s what you can expect during each stage of the process:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your oral surgeon. During this visit, he will assess your oral health, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your goals and expectations. This is a necessary step in determining if you’re a good candidate for implants.
Dr. Petrosky will also discuss any potential preparatory treatments that may be needed, such as bone grafting if you have insufficient jawbone to support the implant.
Dental Implant Placement Surgery
Once you’re deemed a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is the surgical placement of the implant posts. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout.
Dr. Petrosky will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone, then place the implant into the bone. After the implant is securely placed, the gum tissue is stitched closed. In some cases, a temporary crown or prosthesis may be placed on top of the implant to protect it while healing occurs.
Osseointegration: Healing and Bonding
After the implant is placed, a critical process called osseointegration begins. During this phase, the titanium implant post fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong and permanent bond. This process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the individual.
During osseointegration, you’ll need to follow Dr. Petrosky’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Temporary restorations can be worn during this phase if needed.
Attaching the Abutment
Once osseointegration is complete and your implant is fully integrated into your bone, you’ll return to Tuckerton Dental for the next step: attaching the abutment. The abutment is a small piece that connects the implant post to the custom crown or prosthetic tooth.
In most cases, a small incision is made to expose the implant, and the abutment is attached to the implant post. This step is relatively quick and is usually done under local anesthesia.
Placement of the Final Crown
Once the abutment is securely in place, the final step is attaching your custom-made crown to the abutment. The crown is designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
This crown will be securely fixed to the abutment, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the implant procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort, which is normal. Dr. Petrosky will provide post-operative care instructions to help ensure smooth healing, such as:
- Taking prescribed medications to manage pain or prevent infection
- Following a soft-food diet for the initial healing period
- Avoiding smoking and other habits that can hinder healing
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. To learn more about how to care for your dental implants, contact Tuckerton Dental by calling (609) 296-1007.
See Why Patients Love Tuckerton Dental
“Dr. Petrosky gave me a solution where other dentists insisted on a more invasive surgery. Two extractions and implant placements… and NO PAIN! For the first time in years, I can smile! Extremely happy with my care at Tuckerton Dental.”
This testimonial speaks volumes about Dr. Petrosky’s approach to personalized care. Rather than jumping straight to more invasive options, Dr. Petrosky evaluated this patient’s specific needs and provided a treatment plan that was both effective and gentle. The result? A pain-free experience, with successful extractions and implants that restored their smile and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary before the implant surgery.
On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.
Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.
The purpose of dental implants is to replace a missing tooth or teeth. When a tooth is lost because of injury, decay, or other reasons, it can hurt a person’s oral health and quality of life. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable replacement tooth, improving your natural teeth’ function and appearance.
Enjoy a Lasting, Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants
The dental implant procedure is a highly effective and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. While the process can take several months, the results are worth the wait. With the skill of Dr. Petrosky, you can be confident that your dental implant procedure will be handled with care and precision every step of the way.
If you’re in Jersey City, Mystic Island, Eagleswood, West Creek or the nearby areas, schedule a dental implant consultation with your Tuckerton dentist by calling (609) 296-1007 to start your dental implant journey to lasting oral health and confidence!