What to Expect

Your initial consultation is a focused conversation to understand your dental history, concerns and smile goals. We review your medical history and perform a clinical exam to evaluate oral health and identify any issues that could affect treatment. At this visit, Dr. Aaron Cohenour will explain implant options, discuss sedation choices and outline a personalized treatment plan using digital imaging.

We typically take intraoral scans and, when indicated, a CBCT scan to gather the detailed information needed for planning. You’ll receive a clear timeline and an explanation of next steps so you know what to expect at each stage of treatment. At Restoration Dental, our goal during this visit is to create a safe, predictable roadmap tailored to your needs.

Candidacy for dental implants is based on a combination of clinical findings, imaging results and overall health factors. We assess gum health, bone volume and the condition of adjacent teeth to ensure a stable foundation for an implant-supported restoration. Your medical history, medications and habits such as smoking are also considered because they can affect healing and long-term success.

If additional procedures are required to optimize your oral environment, such as periodontal therapy or extractions, we will discuss those options and incorporate them into your treatment plan. When appropriate, a CBCT scan and digital impressions provide precise data to determine the best implant size, position and angulation. The final plan balances function, aesthetics and long-term predictability.

We employ intraoral scanners and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to capture high-resolution images of your teeth, gums and jawbone. These digital tools allow us to visualize anatomical structures in three dimensions and plan implant placement with exceptional accuracy. Digital planning software helps design surgical guides and predict the final tooth position for optimal function and aesthetics.

By using a fully digital workflow, we minimize surprises during surgery and improve communication between the clinical team and the dental laboratory. This approach helps us select appropriate implant sizes, determine whether grafting is needed and fabricate restorations that match your natural tooth color and shape. The result is a more efficient process and a restoration that integrates well with your smile.

Your implant procedure is performed in a comfortable surgical suite with appropriate monitoring and support for your safety and relaxation. Depending on your case, we may provide local anesthesia alone or combine it with IV sedation to ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. The surgical steps typically include any necessary extractions, placement of the implant fixtures and, when indicated, placement of a healing cap or temporary restoration.

We take time to review post-operative instructions and prescribe medications for pain control and infection prevention when needed. Most patients experience manageable discomfort for a few days and return to soft foods as recommended. Before you leave, the team will confirm follow-up appointments to monitor healing and the integration of the implants.

Some patients require preparatory procedures such as tooth extractions or bone grafting to create a healthy foundation for implants. Extractions may be necessary if a tooth is nonrestorable or infected, and bone grafts are used when there is inadequate bone volume to support an implant. These procedures are planned based on clinical evaluation and 3D imaging, and they are integrated into your personalized treatment timeline.

When grafting is needed, we use proven techniques and materials to promote predictable bone regeneration and long-term implant stability. Healing after grafting can take several months before implant placement, but staging treatment in this way improves outcomes for function and aesthetics. Your care team will explain the rationale for any preparatory work and outline expected healing times.

After implant placement, a process called osseointegration occurs as the implant fuses with the jawbone to form a stable anchor for the final restoration. This healing phase typically ranges from about four to six months, though individual factors such as the implant site, bone quality and any grafting performed can affect the timeline. During this period we monitor healing with clinical exams and, when necessary, follow-up imaging to confirm stable integration.

While implants integrate, patients usually wear temporary restorations that allow for function and aesthetics without stressing the surgical site. We advise avoiding hard or sticky foods on the implant side until your final restoration is placed. Regular follow-up visits ensure the implant is healing as expected and help us plan the transition to the definitive crown, bridge or full-arch prosthesis.

Temporary restorations are designed to protect the surgical site, maintain appearance and provide basic function while implants are healing. These provisionals are often made on the day of surgery or shortly after and are intended for short-term use until the final restorations are ready. They are crafted to be comfortable but may require small adjustments as swelling resolves and tissues mature.

Because temporary restorations are not the final prosthesis, we recommend gentle care and avoidance of heavy biting forces on the temporary side. You should follow home-care instructions closely and attend scheduled appointments so we can fine-tune fit and hygiene access. Once osseointegration is confirmed, we will proceed with impressions or digital scans for the long-term restoration.

The final restoration—whether a single crown, bridge or full-arch prosthesis—is custom-crafted to match your tooth shape, color and bite for a natural appearance and reliable function. During the final appointment we verify fit, occlusion and esthetics, making small adjustments as needed before securing the restoration. The goal is to restore comfortable chewing, clear speech and an attractive smile that integrates with your surrounding teeth.

Materials and design are selected to provide strength and durability while maintaining a lifelike appearance. We will review care instructions and schedule maintenance visits to monitor the restoration and surrounding tissues. With proper oral hygiene and regular professional care, implant-supported restorations can provide long-term performance and satisfaction.

Long-term success of dental implants depends on consistent home care and routine professional maintenance. Brush twice daily, clean around implant restorations with floss or an interdental cleaner and use antibacterial rinses when recommended by your dentist. Maintaining healthy gums and controlling plaque are essential to prevent inflammation around implants.

In addition to daily hygiene, schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to monitor implant health and the condition of surrounding tissues. Your clinician will evaluate occlusion, check for signs of wear and assess soft tissue health at each visit. Prompt attention to any changes such as discomfort, mobility or unusual redness helps preserve implant longevity.

We offer a range of sedation options to ensure patient comfort, including local anesthesia and IV sedation administered by trained clinicians. Our team has experience with sedation protocols and monitoring to promote a calm, controlled experience throughout surgical procedures. Before treatment begins, we review your medical history, medications and any anesthesia concerns to plan safe, individualized care.

On the day of surgery you will be monitored for vital signs and supported by staff trained in sedation and emergency protocols. We provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions to help minimize risks and support smooth recovery. If you have questions about sedation, safety or how to prepare for your visit at our Edmond, OK office, our team is available to explain the process in detail.