The Dental Implant Timeline: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Process

Interested in dental implants in Ellicott City, Font Hill, Dunloggin, or Normandy? Dr. Hyun Dong Kim of Pinnacle Family Dental is here to help. Not sure what to expect from the process? Our team is happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on what you can expect if you get a dental implant at our office. 

1. Implant Consultation and Planning

First, Dr. Kim will perform a comprehensive oral exam with x-rays, and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If he approves you for treatment, he will use the information gathered during your appointment to begin crafting your implant treatment plan. 

(Optional) Preparatory Pre-Implant Surgeries

This step is not needed for all patients. However, some people may need additional surgeries before treatment can begin. Tooth extraction, for example, might be required before a dead tooth can be replaced with an implant. A bone graft or sinus lift may be needed to strengthen your jaw bone, or alveoloplasty may be required to smooth the jaw bone before implant placement. 

2. Implant Placement Surgery

At this appointment, Dr. Kim will place your implant in your mouth. Your mouth will be cleaned and numbed. Then, the implant will be placed into an incision in your gums and jaw bone. This area will be cleaned, disinfected and stitched shut to encourage proper healing, and you’ll be sent home. 

3. Healing, Recovery, & Osseointegration

It takes about 2 weeks to heal from the initial placement of your implant, and Dr. Kim will give you a set of recovery instructions. However, it may take 3-6 months for the implant to osseointegrate (bond permanently) with your jaw bone. You will come in for a few follow-up appointments during this time to check your healing progress.

4. Creating the Implant Restoration

When you come in for your follow-up appointments as you heal, Dr. Kim will take dental impressions and images of your mouth and dental implant. This information will be sent to a dental lab, where your implant restoration (such as a dental crown) will be made. 

5. Abutment Placement

A few weeks before your final appointment for your dental implant, you’ll come into our office to have an abutment placed. The dental implant will be exposed, then the abutment will be screwed onto the implant. The abutment connects the implant and your implant-supported restoration and holds them securely in place.

6. Implant Restoration Placement

Finally, you’ll come into Pinnacle Family Dental for your last appointment. Dr. Kim will check your implant-supported restoration to make sure it fits properly. Then, it will be bonded into place permanently, completing the procedure and restoring your smile.

Get Started Today – Contact Us for a Dental Implant Consultation! 

Interested in a dental implant in Normandy, Autumn Hill or Ellicott City? Dr. Kim is here to help. Contact Pinnacle Family Dental now at (410) 461-3747, or stop by our office at 9275 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 103, Ellicott City, MD 21042. At your appointment with Dr. Kim, you can learn more about dental implants, see if you’re a good candidate for treatment, and even explore alternative treatments like dental bridges and partial dentures


Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us today!

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