Getting dental implants typically requires at least two, if not more, in-office visits. First, the team performs oral surgery to insert the implant directly into your jawbone. If you’re missing all of your top or bottom teeth, they offer All-on-4®, the implant restoration system that uses just four strategically placed implants to replace all of your teeth.

After oral surgery, your jaw needs time to heal before it can support permanent restorations. In the meantime, you’ll be fitted with temporary prosthetics so you leave the office with a brand new smile after one visit. Your jawbone will take several months to heal and fully integrate your new implants.

Once your jaw is healed, you come back for another appointment. During this visit, you’ll have your permanent restoration attached to your new implants.  

With implants, not only do you achieve a new smile, but you also improve functions such as chewing, speaking, and digestion. There are also key oral health benefits. When you’re missing teeth, your surrounding teeth can shift over into the empty spaces, causing malocclusions. Teeth that become crooked also become harder to keep clean. This puts you at an increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth and bone loss.

With proper care and management, your dental implants can last you practically a lifetime. Make sure to continue brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet, just like you would with natural teeth. Also, maintain your regular visits for checkups and cleanings.