Step 1 – Your Consultation
To begin your journey to a dental implant, you’ll first need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Assi. At your consultation, he’ll perform a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health and unique needs.
If you have questions about dental implants or your treatment, the consultation is the perfect time to ask them. Dr. Assi can address your concerns personally and make sure you’re confident in your treatment.
Optional – Supplemental Procedures
Not every patient needs supplemental procedures to move forward with treatment, but many do. If your jawbone or gums need to be regenerated to be implant-ready, supplemental procedures can do that.
A strong jawbone and healthy gums are very important for a secure dental implant, so these procedures ensure your implant has a higher chance of succeeding.
Step 2 – Implant Placement
Once your jawbone and gums are ready for implants, Dr. Assi can place the fixture. The titanium fixture is the part of the implant that acts as the anchor, made possible by the tendency of living bone to fuse to titanium and create a strong bond through osseointegration.
You’ll be under general anesthesia during this procedure, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Dr. Assi is fully qualified to administer anesthesia and will monitor your status the whole time. It’s important to bring someone else who can drive you home after.
Dr. Assi will give you a temporary abutment and crown while you wait for the surgical area to heal over the next few months.
Step 3 – Recovery Period
Though it can be difficult to wait when you’re so close to receiving a brand-new smile, it’s vital that the surgery site heals and we leave enough time for osseointegration to occur. Usually, we’ll wait three to six months for the site to fully recover.
During this time, keeping the area clean and free from irritation is vital. Following post-operative surgery instructions can help your recovery go smoother so you can receive your implant sooner. Any disruption in this process could cause issues for the entire procedure
Step 4 – Restoration Placement
With your mouth fully healed, you’ll be ready for your new permanent crown. When you return to our office, all Dr. Assi has to do is place the porcelain crown and then your new smile will be ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the process of your titanium implant fixture fusing with your jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. This is the key to success for your dental implant, as it stimulates healthy bone growth in your jaw and allows your restoration to function like a natural tooth. By keeping your jawbone strong, dental implants also help to preserve your facial appearance and prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting.
How do I take care of my dental implants after the procedure?
The first week or two after your dental implant procedure is crucial to the success of the treatment. Make sure to follow any post-op instructions provided by Dr. Assi, such as avoiding crunchy or hard foods and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after eating. It’s also essential to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking during this part of the treatment.
Once your surgical area has healed, aftercare for your dental implant becomes much easier. All you need to do is brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, as well as visiting our practice in Coral Springs, Florida for your regular dental checkups.
How long will my dental implants take to heal?
The dental implant process usually takes between two to nine months, depending on your specific treatment plan. Typically, most patients need to wait three to six months after the implant surgery for their jaw to fully heal. Patients who need supplemental procedures or are receiving multiple implants at the same time may require additional time for the healing process.
What can I safely eat after the dental implant procedure?
After your implant fixture is placed, you’ll want to stick to soft foods that are easy to eat while you wait for it to heal. Foods that are hard or chewy can upset the surgical area and set your recovery back. Some foods we recommend for after your surgery are cold soups, yogurt, and soft or melted cheeses. It’s also important to stay well-hydrated and chew away from the implant site until it’s fully healed.
Your Brand-New Smile
Dental implants can completely change your life and give you a beautiful, strong smile. Our technology and techniques ensure the process will go as smoothly as possible so you don’t have to be uncomfortable.
To find out more about the dental implant process, call our office at 954-228-8509 or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. A member of our friendly staff will help you with any questions or concerns.