812-882-1572
Your Journey to a New Smile
Smiling with missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and oral health. At Herman Family Dentistry we understand starting the dental implant journey can be overwhelming but we’re here to walk you through it step by step. We want to make sure you’re completely comfortable with your decision to invest in dental implants.
Read below to learn more about the process and understand what to expect during each stage.
Your Initial Consultation
Your dental implant journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Herman. This visit is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about dental implants. By the end of this visit, you’ll thoroughly understand the dental implant process and have a clearer idea on whether this treatment option is right for you.
During this consultation Dr. Herman will:
- Listen to your goals for tooth replacement.
- Evaluate your oral health.
- Examine the volume and density of your jawbone.
- Review the condition of your gums.
- Help you decide if dental implants are the right option for you.
Together, you and Dr. Herman will decide if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. If you do decide that implants are the clear choice for your new smile, Dr. Herman will create your customized treatment plan.
Your Customized Treatment Plan
In order to develop your customized treatment plan, Dr. Herman will take into consideration all of the information he collected from your initial consultation and evaluation. He’ll determine which type of dental implant solution will work best for you and whether you’ll need any supplemental procedures—such as bone grafting or gum disease treatment—to prepare your mouth for dental implant placement.
Dental Implant Placement
Once your treatment plan has been approved by you and any necessary supplemental procedures are complete, you’ll have your implants placed. This process may be completed over several hours in just one appointment. However, depending on the implant solution you’re receiving, it may take more than one appointment.
During this procedure, Dr. Herman starts by placing the implant fixture into your jawbone. In some cases, the abutment and replacement tooth, bridge, or full-arch denture are placed during the same appointment so you can leave with a fully restored smile.
In other cases, the fixture is fitted with a temporary crown so the jawbone can fully heal before the permanent restoration is placed. Osseointegration — the process in which the jawbone naturally fuses to the implant fixture — takes place during the healing period, forming a strong foundation for your replacement teeth. This healing period can take about three to six months.
Complete Your Restoration
Once you’re healed, you’ll come back for your second appointment to start the restoration process. We’ll place your customized porcelain crown that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth. We’ll make any adjustments needed before securely placing the restoration. You’ll leave our Vincennes office with a new, beautiful smile.
Caring For Your Implants
Once you have a brand new smile, Dr. Herman will provide you with post-op instructions to follow at home. These are the guidelines you need to follow:
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss gently each day
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash
- Don’t suck, spit, or use a straw
- Avoid hot, chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption
Once you’ve completely healed, caring for your new restoration is easy. All you have to do is maintain a pristine at-home oral hygiene routine and visit Dr. Herman twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the implant procedure painful?
No, the implant procedure isn’t painful. When your implant is placed, we’ll provide you with a local anesthetic to make sure the experience is pain-free and you’ll feel relaxed during the procedure. Afterward, it’s common to experience some soreness in your jaw for the first couple of weeks.
Depending on your situation, you may be prescribed pain medication. Other than that, you can use over-the-counter pain medication to ease any discomfort you feel following your implant procedure.
Will my dental insurance cover dental implants?
In most cases, dental implant treatment is covered by dental insurance. The total cost will vary depending on your unique needs and your insurance provider. We recommend speaking to your insurance provider and finding out the specific details of your coverage. If you have concerns about payment, we also offer financing options. Call our Vincennes office at (812) 882-1572 to learn more.
How soon can I travel after implant placement?
It’s recommended for patients to rest and heal for the first two days after their implant surgery before returning to their daily activities. If you’re planning a trip or vacation, we recommend letting your implant provider know in advance so that they can schedule your checkups and next steps accordingly.
What can I safely eat after the procedure?
You’ll want to stick to soft food while your implant heals after placement. Avoid foods that are hard or chewy, as these can upset the implant area and cause the healing period to take longer.
The soft foods we recommend:
- Soups and stews
- Yogurt or pudding
- Cooked vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Pastas
- Soft or melted cheese
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
At our Vincennes office, Dr. Herman provides dental implant restorations to make sure you get the healthy smile you deserve. Dr. Herman and his team will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Schedule your consultation today by calling (812) 882-1572 to start your journey toward a restored smile with dental implants. You can also fill out our online contact form and our friendly staff will get to you promptly.
