Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile? If so, you’re not alone. Dental implants have become an increasingly popular tooth replacement option, offering a permanent solution that looks and feels just like natural teeth. At The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton, we’re here to guide you through the entire process, from your initial consultation to your full recovery. Let’s dive into what you can expect when getting dental implants.

The Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, DMD. During this visit, we’ll:

• Examine your oral health
• Take X-rays and 3D scans of your mouth
• Discuss your medical history
• Explain the dental implants procedure in detail
• Answer any questions you may have

This is your opportunity to learn about the process and determine if dental implants are the right choice for you.

Treatment Planning

Once we’ve decided to move forward with dental implants, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Addressing any existing dental issues
• Bone grafting, if necessary
• Designing your custom implants and crowns
• Scheduling your implant surgery

The Implant Surgery

The actual implant placement is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect:

1. We’ll make a small incision in your gum to access the jawbone.
2. A titanium implant post will be carefully placed into the bone.
3. The incision will be closed with sutures.

While this may sound intimidating, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

The Healing Process

Dental implant recovery is a crucial part of the process. Over the next few months, your implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time:

• You may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days
• We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions
• You’ll need to maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor your progress

Placing the Abutment and Crown

Once your implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, we’ll attach an abutment to the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and your new tooth. Finally, we’ll place your custom-made crown, completing your new smile.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

One of the great benefits of dental implants is that they’re cared for just like your natural teeth. To ensure the longevity of your implants:

• Brush twice daily and floss regularly
• Attend regular dental check-ups
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Be mindful of hard or sticky foods

Is a Dental Implant Right for You?

While dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for many, they’re not suitable for everyone. Factors like overall health, bone density, and lifestyle habits can affect your candidacy. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all available options to help you make the best decision for your oral health.

At The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care. If you’re considering dental implants or have questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call at 203-762-5800 to schedule your consultation today. Let us help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!