At Pure Smiles in Westerville, OH, we understand that losing a tooth can impact more than just your appearance—it can affect your confidence, ability to chew, and overall oral health. Fortunately, dental implants offer a modern, long-lasting solution that mimics the look and function of natural teeth. If you’re curious about how the implant process works, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to walk you through every step, so you can feel confident and informed as you begin your journey toward a restored smile.
Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation & Exam
Every successful dental implant journey starts with a thorough consultation. During your first visit, we’ll take the time to understand your dental history, current concerns, and long-term goals. Our team will examine your mouth, take digital x-rays, and use advanced imaging technology to assess your bone health and determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
This initial step helps us create a fully personalized treatment plan. We’ll explain your options clearly, answer all your questions, and help you understand the timeline, costs, and expected outcomes—so you can move forward with confidence.
Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)
Some patients may require additional treatments to prepare the mouth for implant placement. These procedures ensure the jawbone and surrounding tissues are healthy and strong enough to support the implant. Common preparatory steps may include:
- Bone grafting to build up bone in areas with low density.
- Tooth extractions if a damaged tooth needs to be removed.
- Gum disease treatment to restore healthy oral tissues.
If any of these treatments are necessary, our experienced team will guide you through the process with care and transparency.
Step 3: Surgical Implant Placement
Once your mouth is ready, the next step is placing the implant post. This titanium post is carefully inserted into the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and we use precision-guided techniques to ensure optimal placement.
After the implant is placed, your jawbone begins a process called osseointegration, where the bone gradually fuses with the titanium post. This healing phase typically takes a few months, but it is crucial for the long-term success and stability of your implant.
Step 4: Healing & Temporary Restorations
While your implant is healing and integrating with the jawbone, we may place a temporary restoration to help maintain the look and function of your smile. You’ll also receive detailed instructions on how to care for the area during recovery, including:
- Eating soft foods to minimize pressure on the implant.
- Keeping the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing.
- Attending follow-up visits to monitor healing progress.
Your comfort is our priority, and we’re always available if you have questions or concerns during the healing phase.
Step 5: Abutment Placement & Final Impressions
Once the implant has fully fused with the bone, we’ll attach a small connector piece called an abutment. This part serves as the link between the implant and your final restoration. After the abutment is placed, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to begin designing your custom crown, bridge, or denture.
These impressions are sent to a trusted dental lab, where your restoration is crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Our goal is to ensure your new tooth looks seamless and feels comfortable.
Step 6: Final Restoration & Smile Reveal
The last step is placing your final restoration. Whether it’s a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch denture, we’ll carefully attach it to the abutment and check your bite for a perfect fit. The result is a fully restored, natural-looking smile that you can feel proud to show off.
After placement, we’ll go over how to care for your new implant, including proper brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups to ensure long-term success.
Why Trust Pure Smiles With Your Implant Care?
Choosing a skilled, compassionate provider makes all the difference in your dental implant experience. At Pure Smiles in Westerville, OH, we offer:
- Personalized care tailored to your needs.
- Advanced imaging and implant planning technology.
- A team experienced in all phases of implant treatment.
- Transparent communication and flexible financing options.
- A welcoming, judgment-free environment.
From start to finish, our mission is to make your implant journey as smooth, comfortable, and rewarding as possible.
Let’s Rebuild Your Smile—Together
Dental implants are more than a tooth replacement—they’re a life-changing investment in your health, appearance, and confidence. At Pure Smiles, we’re honored to guide you through this transformative journey with clarity and care. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your dental implant consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more complete smile. We can’t wait to help you smile with confidence again!