Safe Dental Implant Surgery in Wilmington and Seaford
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we understand undergoing a surgical procedure can be daunting. However, our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, dentists provide safe, comfortable, and technologically advanced dental implant surgery for those needing to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
If you’re ready to see if dental implants are best for you, contact Brown and Baran Family Dentistry today by calling our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to set up an appointment. Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran are among the best dentists in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, and will ensure your smile goals are met using state-of-the-art techniques.
How Dental Implant Procedures Work
Initial Consultation
The first step in receiving dental implants at Brown & Baran Family Dentistry is to schedule an initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran will conduct a comprehensive dental exam, including:
- Examining your teeth and gums
- Reviewing your medical history
- Taking digital X-rays and impressions of your mouth
- Using an advanced cone beam 3-D imaging system for detailed mapping
This thorough examination helps determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and allows our dentists to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Supplemental Procedures (If Necessary)
For some patients, additional procedures may be recommended before moving forward with dental implants. Procedures such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafting are common for those with low jawbone density or underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease.
These supplemental procedures can be performed before or during the implant process, depending on your needs and the complexity of your case. Drs. Brown and Baran will evaluate your specific situation and determine if any additional procedures are necessary to ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.
In some cases, dental implants may not be right for you. Our dental specialists may recommend other restorative dentistry treatments, such as removable dentures or a dental bridge.
Implant Surgery with Guided Implant Dentistry
At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we use guided implant dentistry, an advanced technique that ensures precise and accurate placement of your dental implants. Here’s how it works:
- We create a detailed map of your mouth using our cone beam 3-D imaging system.
- A surgical guide is created based on this detailed map.
- The guide is used to accurately place the titanium implant post into your jawbone.
The implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have IV sedation for added comfort. Sedation options are discussed at the initial consultation.
Recovery Period and Osseointegration
After the dental implant placement, you’ll enter a recovery period during which osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is a natural process where the bone around the implant post begins to fuse with the jawbone. This process is essential for the implant to be secure and stable.
The healing time for osseointegration typically takes three to six months. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration. You’ll be able to return to your normal routine after a few days, but make sure to stick to a soft food diet and follow any instructions provided. Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.
Final Restoration Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to our Wilmington or Seaford dental office for the final restoration placement. Your custom restoration—whether it’s a dental crown, bridge, or denture—will be created by our trusted implant specialist lab. We generally provide less than two weeks of turnaround time for implant-supported restorations.
The final restoration will be securely attached to the implant post to look and function just like a natural tooth. You’ll leave our dental office with a brand-new, beautiful smile you’ll love.
After Your Dental Implant Surgery
After your dental implant surgery, it’s essential to take great care of your oral hygiene to ensure proper healing and reduce your chance of complications arising. Here are some tips to help you out after oral surgery:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions
- Manage pain and swelling with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Eat soft foods and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Attend follow-up appointments
To learn more about post-op dental implant care, our Wilmington and Seaford dentists have created a detailed guide to assist you with a speedy recovery. You can also contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589, and our team will answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary before the implant surgery.
On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment. Still, the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step, as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.
Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.
The purpose of dental implants is to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Losing a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons can hurt a person’s oral health and quality of life. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable replacement tooth, improving your natural teeth’ function and appearance.
Start Your Smile Journey With Dental Implants
Do you still have questions about the dental implant procedure, or are you debating whether to get dental implants? Contact our Wilmington and Seaford dentists today. With years of experience in implant dentistry and state-of-the-art technology, they’ll answer any questions you may have about the dental procedure and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your appointment. We’re proud to provide comprehensive, technologically advanced dental services to Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE, patients.
