The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implant Process and the Timeline

Has your dentist recommended implant-based restorations for your teeth, and you aren’t sure what you are getting into? You are in the right place. We don’t rush into treatment at Riverside Dental Clinic in Drumheller, Alberta. Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff and his team take time to explain the ins and outs of the treatment at hand. By providing you with all the necessary information, we aim to reduce any potential surprises throughout your treatment.

The dental implant procedure: What to expect

Have you been told that implant treatment is a lengthy process? Or that it’s a painful procedure? Well, fear not, as we are here to provide accurate information. Allow us to walk you through the typical steps involved in dental implant treatment.

• Dental exam: Before any treatment, Dr. Poznikoff will schedule a thorough oral exam to establish the health of your mouth using dental X-rays and possible 3D scans. Even though your dentist is familiar with your dental health, this step is vital to confirm that your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support an implant
• Pre-surgery procedures: If you have a troublesome tooth that needs replacement, it must be extracted to create room for an implant. If you have been told you have bone loss, you may need to undergo bone grafting to rebuild your jawbone health
• Implant surgery: This outpatient procedure takes about one to two hours and is done after numbing your mouth to minimize discomfort. Patients with dental fear can talk to our dental team about sedation dentistry for added comfort. Once comfortable, we drill a small hole in your jawbone and insert a titanium screw right below the gums. This titanium post acts like the natural tooth root you lost
• Healing and fusion: We will give your implant four to six months to heal. This period might seem frustrating, but it’s vital in ensuring your implant fuses with your jawbone to become one structure. After integration, technically called osseointegration, your implant gains strength and stability, just like your natural tooth root
• Abutment and crown fitting: After healing, we perform a minimally invasive procedure to attach an abutment (connector) to your implant. This step involves exposing your gums to access the implant upon which the abutment is connected. After one to two weeks of gum healing, we restore your tooth with a natural-looking crown. We may use a denture or bridge if replacing multiple teeth

Although the start-to-finish dental implant procedure typically takes around six months, the payoff is a beautiful, natural-looking smile that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Furthermore, your dental implant can last a lifetime with appropriate care and upkeep. Indeed, when investing in your smile, there is no better choice than a dental implant.

Complete your smile with affordable dental implants 

Please call (833) 575-1855 to book an appointment with Riverside Dental Clinic. Dr. Poznikoff installs long-lasting and beautiful dental implants to secure your smile for many years.

Dr. Ken Poznikoff, General Dentist

With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Ken Poznikoff is a highly skilled General Dentist and the owner of Riverside Dental Clinic. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree as well as degrees in Science and Pharmacy. Dr. Poznikoff is committed to advanced dental education and has completed extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep disordered breathing, sedation dentistry, dentures and restorative dentistry. He holds hospital privileges at the Drumheller Regional Health Complex, providing surgical care under general anesthesia. Dedicated to long-term patient relationships, Dr. Poznikoff’s expertise and compassionate care makes him a trusted dental professional in the Drumheller community.

Dr. Claude Boutin, Orthodontist

Dr. Claude Boutin is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with over 35 years of specialized orthodontic care in Calgary and at Riverside Dental Clinic. A University of Alberta graduate, he pursued advanced orthodontic training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boutin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and an active member of multiple orthodontic associations. Known for staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, Dr. Boutin frequently attends national conferences and lectures at prestigious meetings. His dedication to excellence and his involvement in the community solidifies his reputation as a leading orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Ben Thomas, Periodontist

Dr. Ben Thomas is a distinguished Periodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Public Health, and a Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of North Carolina. With IV Sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive periodontal care, including implant placement, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration. A fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of several prestigious periodontal organizations, Dr. Thomas stays at the forefront of periodontal advancements. His dedication to patient care and extensive expertise makes him a trusted professional at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Dr. Scott Townsend, General Dentist

Dr. Scott Townsend is a General Dentist with 19 years of experience. A former hockey player in the Western Hockey League, Dr. Townsend brings the same dedication and teamwork to his dental practice. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Alberta and is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, The Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Townsend specializes in oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and periodontal treatments. His compassionate approach and commitment to ongoing education ensure that patients receive personalized surgical care at Riverside Dental Clinic.

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