How Long Can it Take to Adjust to Dental Implants?

Missing teeth are a common dental issue – surprisingly common, as figures from the American College of Prosthodontists attest that around 180 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. And if you’re among the many individuals missing one or more teeth, addressing this issue can be vital to restoring your beautiful smile and oral health. Missing teeth can present numerous problems in addition to the unseemliness of a gapped smile.

So, at Sycamore Family Dentistry, Dr. Jacob Sheppard is proud to offer a full range of restorative options, including dental implants. Contact us today to find out how we can help you in Midlothian, VA.

How long can it take to adjust to a dental implant?

There isn’t a set-in-stone timeline, but it generally takes patients three weeks or so to adjust to their new dental implants. It may be shorter or longer for some, as it depends on diverse criteria, including your dental aspects, lifestyle factors, and the specifics of your procedure.

Other essential processes take longer but require no work or real adjustment on your part. Among the most important of these processes is osseointegration, or integration into the bone (osseous) tissue. Over the 3 – 6 months following your dental implant, the metal post will begin fusing to the jawbone. As the living bone assimilates the metal post, the stability and strength of your implant will continue to increase, forming a durable bond that stands up to daily stresses.

Am I a good candidate for implant-supported restorations?

Many men and women of various ages can be great candidates for our potentially life-changing corrective services. Your top-notch care begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which we’ll use multiple imaging technologies and diagnostic techniques to ascertain your unique dental and overall health situation. We’ll also discuss your specific needs, concerns, and expectations, and then consider all relevant data to formulate your treatment plan.

Implant-supported restorations, for example, can take the place of one or many teeth. Whether you’re suffering from dental damage, decay, infection, injury, or some other issue, a synthetic tooth or teeth can fix your smile and restore your function. Missing teeth make it more difficult to speak or chew while causing daily discomfort that distracts from school, work, hobbies, or anything else that requires focus.

Not to mention that missing teeth can cause a cycle of dental problems. Whether by forcing the other teeth to move toward the empty spaces or by opening up gingival (gum) space for infection and bacteria to occupy, the gaps left by missing teeth can cause various future woes.

Fix your smile with dental implants in Midlothian, VA

Dr. Jacob Sheppard and our detail-attentive dental team at Sycamore Family Dentistry are here for your unique needs. If you’re one of the many million individuals missing one or more teeth, our restorative care services can be just what you need to enjoy improved comfort, aesthetics, and function. All you need to do is get in touch with us today to set up a consultation and be one step closer to a fantastic, full, and functional smile in Midlothian, VA.