Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Dental implants have quickly become dentists’ preferred replacement option for teeth that are missing or need to be extracted. Implants look and function exactly like natural teeth. Whether one or several teeth need to be replaced, dental implants are a fantastic option that will give you back your smile.
With that being said, until now, dental implants have taken weeks or months, from start to finish, to complete. But same-day dental implants are now available that can restore your smile in a fraction of the time it takes the traditional implant procedure.
If you’ve been curious about dental implants but the duration of the procedure has you questioning the commitment, take a look at the following information compiled by our own Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia.
Traditional dental implants
Traditionally, dental implants are a multi-step procedure. If a tooth needs to be extracted, then the jawbone will need time to heal. After that, our skilled cosmetic dentist in Lansing will drill tiny holes into the gums and bone, inserting a small titanium post that stimulates the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots do. Time must be given for the bone to heal and fuse with the post in a process called “osseointegration.” Meanwhile, a lab fabricates a crown that will top the post. The crown is custom-made to match the surrounding teeth in size and color, creating a natural-looking, beautiful smile of straight teeth.
Advancements in dental technology have made it possible to have dental implants in one appointment at our East Lansing dental office. But how?
Step 1: Consultation
To know if you qualify as a candidate for same-day implants, you’ll first need to schedule a consultation with our Okemos cosmetic dentist. At that time, our dentist will evaluate if you are a good candidate for implants. This will include a visual inspection and likely X-rays of the gums and jawbone that would need to support an implant. Our dentist will discuss sedation with you and, if all goes well, will schedule a date for your same-day implant.
Step 2: Procedure
At your appointment, anesthesia will be administered to make sure you’re comfortable. A dental implant root will be surgically placed in the jaw, and a temporary crown will be attached to the top while a permanent crown is being fabricated. You will walk out of the dentist’s office with a restored smile, and only you will know the crown is only temporary until a customized one is made.
Step 3: Conclusion
The permanent crown will be fabricated and sent to your dentist, at which time you will return to the dentist to exchange the temporary crown for a permanent one.
Benefits of same-day implants
You may be wondering if same-day implants are as effective and durable as traditional implants. Our professionals say yes. As same-day implants improve over time, the differences between them and traditional implants become more marginal.
Here are a few benefits of same-day implants:
- Fewer dental visits
- Faster process
- Same-day smile
Same-day Implants in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan
If you’re looking to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth but you don’t want to wait weeks or months for your smile to be restored, then same-day implants may be for you. Give Tenaglia Smiles a call at (517) 940-8684, or reach us online to request an appointment today!