At Smiles for Life, we’ve designed our dental implant process to be all about you. From start to finish, we customize each step to make sure your experience and outcome are the best they can be.
We invite you to learn more about the dental implant process so you know what to expect at each stage. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, we make it easy for you to restore your smile with dental implants.
Your Consultation with Dr. Heffelfinger
To start your journey to a restored smile, you’ll visit Dr. Heffelfinger for a dental implant consultation. This is your opportunity to learn more about dental implants, including how they can be customized to fit your needs, and ask any questions you have.
Dr. Heffelfinger will speak with you about your goals for tooth replacement, explain your options, and help you find the proper treatment. During this visit, we’ll also examine your oral health and take images of your teeth and jawbone so we can create your optimal treatment plan.
By the end of this appointment, you’ll fully understand your options and have the information you need to make the best decision for you.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Each patient has unique needs, so we customize each treatment plan to achieve the best possible results. Depending on your specific needs and goals, your treatment plan may include the following steps:
Supplemental Treatments
Patients who have certain conditions, such as gum disease or bone loss, may benefit from a treatment before dental implant placement. Supplemental treatments are designed to prepare the jawbone, gums, and teeth to better support dental implants.
Dental Implant Placement
Once the necessary supplemental treatments have been completed, you’ll have your dental implants placed. You may have a temporary restoration attached during this appointment, eliminating the need to live with gaps in your smile while your mouth heals. Other patients may benefit from an additional healing period before their restoration is attached.
Healing Period and Osseointegration
Regardless of when you have your restoration placed, the healing process is extremely important for the overall success of your dental implant. This is the time that osseointegration takes place in which the jawbone fuses with the implant fixture, forming a secure foundation for your restoration.
Restoration Placement
Once Dr. Heffelfinger determines that osseointegration has taken place and your mouth has completely healed, you’ll have your permanent restoration placed. Your restoration may be a single crown, multi-tooth bridge, or full-arch denture, depending on how many teeth you’re missing. You’ll leave this appointment with a fully restored smile.