Dental Implant Surgery
What is Dental Implant Surgery?
Think of it as giving your smile a second chance. Dental implants are a long-lasting way to replace missing teeth with ones that look, feel, and work just like the real thing. A small titanium post (the implant) is placed in your jawbone, where it acts like a new root. Once everything’s healed, we attach a custom-made crown on top, and voilà! You’ve got a stable and natural-looking replacement tooth.
Who Needs Dental Implant Surgery?
Implants are a great option if:
- You’re missing one or more teeth
- You’re tired of dentures or bridges that slip and shift
- You want something that feels just like your natural teeth
- You have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant
If you’re not sure if you’re a candidate, just give Dr. O’Leary a call and we’ll get you on the schedule for a consultation.
Benefits of Dental Implant Surgery
There are a lot of great reasons patients love implants. Here are a few:
- They look and feel natural – no one will know it’s not your real tooth.
- They’re made to last long – they can last a lifetime with the right care.
- They help you eat and speak with ease – no slipping, no shifting.
- They protect your jawbone – preventing the bone loss that happens with missing teeth.
- They boost your confidence – because a strong and healthy smile feels good.
Overview of the Procedure
- Surgical Placement:
- A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.
- A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
- A hole is drilled into the bone to create space for the implant.
- The implant body (typically a screw or cone) is inserted into the prepared space.
- The gum tissue is closed around the implant.
- Abutment and Crown Placement:
- After the healing period, a follow-up appointment is scheduled.
- An abutment (a connecting piece) may be attached to the implant.
- A temporary crown can be placed during this time.
- A permanent crown is then fabricated and placed on the abutment to restore the missing tooth.
What About Recovery?
Most patients say that recovery is easier than they expected. You might feel a little sore for a day or two, maybe some swelling or light bruising, but that usually goes away pretty quickly. Most folks are back to work or their usual routine within a day or two.
Taking Care of Your Implant
Caring for your new implant is just like caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Keep up with regular dental checkups
Avoid chewing hard stuff like ice or opening packages with your teeth, and you’ll be set. If you treat your new tooth right, it is likely to last for decades – or even for life.
Call Dr. O’Leary Today!
If you’ve been thinking about fixing that missing tooth (or teeth), this could be your moment. Dental implants can truly change the way you feel – about eating, talking, smiling, all of it. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Dr. O’Leary and the team are here to walk you through every step, answer all your questions, and make the whole process as smooth and painless as possible.
Get in touch with the team! We’d love to chat, check things out, and help you feel like you again.
