Restore Your Smile in Three Steps
If you’re interested in dental implants, Dr. McCoy can complete your treatment in just three steps over the course of a few months. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. McCoy can ensure that your treatment is comfortable and delivers the stunning results that you expect.
Explore our guide to learn about each step of the implant process in detail.
Initial Consultation
The first step of the implant process is scheduling a consultation with Dr. McCoy. During this visit, he’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if dental implants are the right treatment option for you. He’ll also answer any questions you have about the procedure.
If you suffer from jawbone deterioration or gum recession, you may need to undergo one or more supplemental treatments to prepare you for implant surgery. The most common supplemental treatments are bone grafting and soft tissue augmentation.
Implant Placement
Once Dr. McCoy determines you’re ready, he’ll place the titanium implant fixture directly in your jaw and suture the wound to begin the healing process. At this point, you’ll need to allow four to six months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone and replace the natural tooth root.
This process is called osseointegration and it’s the key to your implant’s success. It also stimulates healthy bone growth in your jaw, making implants the only tooth replacement that protect your long-term oral health.
Final Restoration
After your jaw has fully healed, you’ll return to our office so Dr. McCoy can complete your treatment. He’ll attach a small connecting piece called an abutment to your implant fixture and top it with a stunning porcelain crown, providing you with a healthy and beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant process take?
Typically, the dental implant process requires a few appointments over the course of several months. After your implant has been placed, your jaw will need two to six months in order to fully heal and integrate with the implant. Once the healing process is finished, you’ll return to our office so you can complete the procedure and receive your final restoration.
Can the dental implant process be completed in one appointment?
In some cases, your crown or denture can be attached to your implants immediately after surgery. We can use our advanced CEREC technology to mill a stunning porcelain restoration in just over an hour. However, in order to take advantage of this option, you’ll need to have plenty of jawbone mass and healthy gum tissue. During your consultation, Dr. McCoy will examine your gums and jawbone to determine if same-day implants are an option for you.
Is the dental implant process painful?
Dr. McCoy and our team will prioritize your comfort throughout the entire implant process. Before your surgery, Dr. McCoy will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during treatment. You may experience some mild discomfort as your jaw adjusts to your new implants, but this should fade within a few days.
How many steps are in the dental implant process?
The dental implant process consists of three steps:
- An initial consultation to discuss your smile goals and evaluate your oral health
- Placing the implants in your jaw to replace the natural tooth roots
- Attaching the abutment and restoration to your implant — this final step can only be performed after the implant has fully integrated to your jaw
Ask Dr. McCoy About Our Dental Implant Process
If you have any questions about the dental implant process, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. McCoy. Call our office at (610) 358-5690 and schedule your initial consultation today — it’s the first step to your new smile.