Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile? You’re not alone! Dental implants have become an increasingly popular tooth replacement option, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. At Dominion Smiles in San Antonio, TX, 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. Ruiwen Ma. During this visit, we’ll:

• Evaluate your oral health
• Take X-rays and 3D scans of your mouth
• Discuss your medical history and any concerns
• Explain the dental implants procedure in detail
• Answer all your questions

This is the perfect time to voice any concerns or ask about alternative tooth replacement options if you’re unsure about implants.

Planning Your Treatment

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

• Additional imaging or impressions of your teeth
• Bone grafting if necessary
• Scheduling your implant surgery

We’ll also discuss the timeline for your treatment, which can vary depending on your individual needs.

The Implant Surgery

The actual implant placement is a surgical procedure, but don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s what typically happens:

1. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort
2. A small incision is made in your gum
3. The implant is carefully placed into your jawbone
4. The incision is closed with stitches

The procedure usually takes about 1–2 hours per implant. You’ll be able to go home the same day, but make sure you have someone to drive you.

The Healing Process

Dental implant recovery is a crucial phase. During this time, your implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 3 to 6 months. You might experience:

• Some swelling and discomfort (manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers)
• Restricted diet (soft foods for the first few days)
• Need for careful oral hygiene

We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

The Final Steps

Once your implant has fully integrated, it’s time for the final touches:

1. An abutment is attached to the implant
2. We take impressions for your custom-made crown
3. Your new crown is placed, completing your smile restoration

Living with Your New Implants

Congratulations! You’ve now got a fully functional, natural-looking tooth replacement. To ensure the longevity of your dental implants:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Visit us regularly for check-ups
• Avoid habits like smoking or teeth grinding

With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime!

At Dominion Smiles, we’re committed to making your dental implant journey as smooth as possible. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a restored smile, give us a call at 210-764-6818. Dr. Ma and our team are here to support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your final recovery. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer — discover the confidence that comes with a complete, healthy smile!