Dental Implants

If you are a new patient to our dentistry practice, Dr. Curl will conduct a full examination to determine your current state of oral health. This will include an oral cancer screening and periodontal health check so that he can ensure your implant surgery will be successful. He will also review your medical history and discuss treatment options such as restoration materials. Any questions you may have will be answered, and you will leave fully educated about your treatment plan.

Any outstanding issues will need to be addressed before proceeding with your implant placement. Gum disease and low bone density are common concerns that may require treatment. For gum disease, depending on the extent of the infection, treatment may take up to a year. The same timeline can be expected from bone grafting. Dr. Curl will not place implants unless he can achieve a 95%-97% chance of success based on his calculations.

During the first surgery, Dr. Curl will administer local anesthesia to completely numb the area before proceeding so you do not feel pain during the procedure. Dr. Curl offers oral sedation for patients with dental anxiety so that they can relax during surgery. Patients who choose sedation will likely feel tired or groggy after their procedure and will need a friend or family member to drive them home after treatment.

Once he is sure you are comfortable, he will make small incisions in your gums and place the titanium implants into your jawbone. Placing each implant will generally take between one and two hours. The length of surgery will depend on how many implants you receive and other factors individual to your case. After surgery, you will feel mild pain for up to 10 days. Over-the-counter medicine can be used to manage any discomfort. 

In the months following placement, the bone tissue in your jaw will fuse with the titanium implant in a process called osseointegration. For your implant to be successful, the titanium post needs to fully integrate into the bone. Generally, this process takes six months for an implant placed in a top arch and three months for an implant placed in a lower arch.

An abutment is a small connector piece used to attach your crown, bridge, or denture to your dental implants. During this second surgery, a small incision will be made to expose the implant and secure the abutment. Dr. Curl will also take digital impressions of your smile that will be forwarded to our lab so that they can craft your custom restoration.

During the next four to six weeks, your gums will heal around the abutment. It is important to follow the post-op instructions provided by Dr. Curl. These guidelines will help prevent infection and promote healing.

Once your gums have fully healed around the abutments you will come back to our office in The Woodlands. Dr. Curl will place your final crown, bridge, or denture. Once attached, your restoration will look, act, and feel just like natural teeth.