The Dental Implant Process in Turlock, CA
Learn the steps behind getting dental implants at Eggleston Dental Care.
The Implant Process: Just Four Steps To a Beautiful Smile
When you choose dental implants to restore missing teeth, you’re investing in success for both your smile and health. Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss, and your smile will shine bright and healthy as a result.
The dental implant process involves a painless, minor surgical procedure, an average healing period of three to six months, and the placement of your attractive new crown or any other restoration. Our dentist, Dr. Eggleston, and our professional team will be right there to support you every step of the way. Additionally, educating yourself about the dental implant process will allow you to take control of your smile, instilling peace of mind in yourself and Dr. Eggleston.
Step 1. Your Consultation
The first step toward a fully revitalized smile through implant dentistry is your consultation with Dr. Eggleston. During this time, your dentist will take the time to learn about you, your lifestyle, and what you hope to gain from treatment—besides a beautiful new smile, of course. He’ll also provide you with an examination to make sure that you’re an ideal candidate for implants.
After the initial examination, Dr. Eggleston will decide if you’re an ideal candidate for implants. Your dentist will elaborate on each step in the process—ensuring that you’re both on the same page. If you and Dr. Eggleston both decide to restore your missing teeth with dental implants, we can begin scheduling your treatment calendar right away.
Step 2. Placing the Fixture
Once Dr. Eggleston clears you for treatment, you’ll return to our Turlock office for the first minor surgery, placing the implant fixture. The implant fixture is the section of the implant that holds it in place by acting like the root of a natural tooth. After preparing the surgical site, Dr. Eggleston will attach the fixture directly to your jawbone. Dental implants require the support of sufficient jawbone and gum tissue mass to be successful.
After securing the fixture, your dentist will cover the fixture with a temporary crown called a flipper — this extra protection promotes proper healing, giving you the ability to bite and chew as normal.
Step 3. Recovery & Osseointegration
Giving your mouth time to heal is essential for the recovery and ultimate success of the implant. Following implant surgery, Dr. Eggleston will encourage you to relax at home as much as possible and follow your instructions for post-operative care.
After you’ve completely healed from implant surgery, the fixture still needs time to become fully integrated with your jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration, and it’s vital for creating a lasting bond with your implant.
Step 4. Your Attractive New Smile
After osseointegration is complete and your jawbone is fully attached to the implant, Dr. Eggleston will place the permanent crown. The crown connects to the fixture through a piece called the abutment — but only your custom-crafted crown will be visible to friends and family.
We manufacture our crowns from beautiful, tooth-colored porcelain. Dr. Eggleston even uses a color guide so the implant matches the rest of your smile. Congratulations, you’ve got a smile to treasure for years to come!
Additional Implant Process Steps: Supplemental Procedures
In some instances, additional treatment is necessary before implant surgery to maximize your potential for a successful implant process outcome.
For example, sometimes patients don’t have enough bone density to support an implant. In these cases, Dr. Eggleston can remedy the issue with bone grafting—the process of using a small piece of bone tissue from another area of the body to encourage bone growth elsewhere—to prepare your mouth for the implant process.
Having sufficient, healthy gum tissue is also vital to implant success. If you’re missing healthy gum tissue, your dentist may be able to restore it with gum grafting. Gum grafting, also known as soft tissue grafting, is a process that takes soft tissue from inside of your mouth and transplants it to the future surgical site.
Replacing lost or damaged gum tissue will further help to stabilize your implant and help guarantee implant success. Your dentist can also offer gum disease treatment to enhance your overall oral health and prepare your gums for implants.
The At-Home Implant Process: Caring For Your New Smile
One of the most sought after features of dental implants is that they require the same care as your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing after meals, and biannual visits to Dr. Eggleston will ensure your restoration lasts for many years to come. For more specific care instructions and additional tips on how to maintain your new smile, refer to our dental implant care guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant process take?
From consultation to final procedure, the entire process can take anywhere from three to six months. The specific time period can vary based on factors such as your jawbone density, oral health, and if you need a supplemental procedure such as bone or gum grafting, or gum disease treatment.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
Our goal at Eggleston Dental Care is to make sure our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatment. We specialize in sedation dentistry and anesthetic to prevent any pain or discomfort.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort during the first few days following your procedure. But you’ll be provided with pain medication for your recovery period. Call our office immediately if you’re experiencing persistent pain, and Dr. Eggleston will see to it that you get the relief you need.
Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants tend to cost more than their non-implant counterparts, but when you compare and contrast implants to other restorations, you’re likely to find that they’re well worth any extra expense. Your dentists, Dr. Eggleston and the rest of our team will work with you to ensure you can affordably receive the most effective treatment, including offering financing through CareCredit.
Am I too old or too young for the dental implant process?
There is no age requirement for dental implants. In some cases, children can receive dental implants, although Dr. Eggleston will most likely recommend treatment after facial growth is complete. This is around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys. Elderly people with dentures can get implants as well, and may even be able to have their traditional dentures converted into All-on-4 implant supported dentures.
Enjoy A Stronger, Better Smile, Schedule Your Free Consultation! 
At Eggleston Dental Care, we’re here to help. Our team will make sure you get the finest possible dental care and ensure you understand the dental implant process for your comfort and peace of mind. Because we don’t want anything standing between you and your perfect smile, we do everything we can to make the process affordable. Our staff are experts at making the most out of your dental benefits and finding your best payment options.
Call (209) 226-4963 for your free consultation at our Turlock office or submit the contact form at the bottom of the page today. We’re proud to serve our patients from Turlock, CA and the surrounding regions of Keyes, Denair, and Hatch. Our Dentist, Dr. Eggleston, and the rest of our team can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your best smile.