Just Three Easy Steps
At Dental Implants of Kentucky, we use the latest in dental technology to ensure your dental implants are placed with unmatched precision and accuracy. From your first consultation to attaching your restoration, we’ll be here to walk you through every step of your treatment.
Learn what to expect during the implant process and how we make it easy for you.
Meet Your Dental Implant Provider
Your initial consultation with Dr. Dwight Patrick Peters is the first step on your journey to the smile of your dreams. He’s been restoring smiles and performing dental implant revisions for years, ensuring each patient achieves the beautiful smile they deserve.
During this visit, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if dental implants are the best solution for you. We’ll also discuss your smile goals and explain our dental implant solutions before developing your personalized treatment plan.
We offer sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the dental implant process. There are different types of sedation that we may offer depending on your treatment, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or intravenous (IV) sedation.
Placing Your Dental Implant
If dental implants are right for you, Dr. Peters will surgically place a safe, biocompatible titanium fixture directly in your jaw. The surgical area will be protected with a temporary restoration and you’ll be sent home to recover for the next few months.
Healing can take anywhere from three to six months after surgery, depending on your individual case. This allows time for osseointegration, the process of your implant fusing with your jawbone to create a durable foundation for your new restoration.
Achieve a Beautiful New Smile
Once you’ve fully healed, you’ll return to our Louisville dental office so Dr. Peters can attach your custom-made restoration. It will be crafted to match the shape, feel, and look of your natural teeth, so nobody will be able to tell the difference.
There are many options for your restoration depending on your needs, such as a porcelain crown, dental bridge, or dentures. We also offer All-on-4® and All-on-6®, two cost-effective solutions for permanently replacing a full arch of teeth with dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The dental implant process typically requires two surgical procedures, taking anywhere from six to eight months to complete. This is dependent on several factors, like the number of implants placed and whether a supplemental procedure is required. At your initial consultation, Dr. Peters will provide you with a customized treatment plan that includes an outline of all necessary procedures.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
With sedation dentistry, getting a dental implant at our Louisville office is completely pain and worry-free. We’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the surgical site so you won’t feel a thing. Dr. Peters can also offer you a sedative to help you feel comfortable throughout the implant process. It’s safe, effective, and allows you to feel at ease while we complete your new, beautiful smile.
How can I manage any discomfort while I am recovering after surgery?
You shouldn’t expect serious pain after your dental implant surgery. After the numbness from your procedure subsides, any discomfort should be easily manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. You can also apply a cold compress to your face and gums for natural relief from swelling. Be sure to wrap ice in a towel before prolonged contact to protect your skin from damage.
If typical over-the-counter pain relievers are unsafe for you to take, let Dr. Peters know so he can discuss other options. Contact our practice if you’re experiencing severe pain during recovery—we’ll investigate the cause and provide care.
Will I be able to eat regularly after my dental implant procedure?
When you’re recovering after the placement of your dental implants, you’ll want to stick with soft dishes like soups, pastas, yogurt, and other foods that don’t require much chewing. Treat yourself to cold desserts like ice cream and smoothies, these will be easy to eat and provide cooling relief while you heal. We also recommend avoiding hot foods, especially while you’re still numb from surgery. These can cause damage to your healing mouth and extend your recovery time.
Once your new crowns are affixed to the dental implants, you’ll soon be able to enjoy all your favorite foods with ease. While you may experience some tenderness in the first few days, your new teeth will perform just like natural teeth soon.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
With our natural-looking dental implants, you’ll rediscover the freedom and confidence to smile again. Give us a call at (502) 442-7319 to reach our Louisville office, or (502) 234-1569 for our Frankfort location. If you’d prefer, you can also fill out a convenient contact form online. We look forward to meeting you!