Planning for Dental Implant Surgery

Implant Placement

At your first appointment following your initial consultation, your implants will be placed by Dr. Jose Valenzuela and the Dental Implant Center team according to the treatment plan created for you by Dr. Valenzuela. This plan is based on an examination of your jaw and gums as well as digital x-rays of your teeth and bone structure. After your jaw is prepared for treatment, the titanium implants are surgically inserted into the bone socket of the missing tooth, and protective covers are placed over the implants to allow for proper healing during the next stage. We perform all stages of dental implant surgery at our clinic so patients from Yuma, Arizona, Palm Springs, California, and other areas don't have to suffer the inconvenience of shuttling from one location to another for treatment.

Osseointegration

Over the course of the next several months, the natural bone of your jaw will gradually bond with the dental implants in a process known as osseointegration, creating a sturdy support point on which your replacement teeth can be anchored. The duration required for osseointegration can vary widely depending on the number of implants placed and your general health, but it generally lasts from three to twelve months. Once this healing phase is completed, Dr. Valenzuela will uncover your implants, attach a small connector or post to the now firmly anchored implants, place a temporary crown, and begin to fabricate artificial replacement teeth custom designed to match your smile.

Placement of Artificial Teeth

Once your new replacement teeth are prepared, you will return to Dental Implant Center, where Dr. Valenzuela will attach your new teeth to your implants as the final stage of your dental implant surgery. The artificial teeth will be carefully shaped and adjusted to match your natural teeth. When the procedure is complete, you will leave our office with a full, beautiful smile, and your replacement teeth will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

Contact Us for More Information on Dental Implant Surgery

Contact us today if you have questions about dental implants or dental implant surgery . We serve Yuma, Arizona; Palm Springs, California; and all surrounding areas, and we are proud of our reputation for providing complete information and outstanding care to our patients. To help you better understand the dental implant process and why it is the most effective solution for tooth replacement, on our website we have provided answers to frequently asked questions about implant dentistry.