What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

One of the most important considerations when it comes to whether or not you should have dental implants placed is that the process will take place over several months and will require multiple visits. To help you understand and better prepare for the dental implant process, please refer to the following step-by-step overview.

Initial Stage

The dental implant process will begin with a general examination to determine the underlying cause of your lost tooth or teeth. If there are underlying oral health issues, these will need to be addressed prior to placement of the dental implant. It will also be necessary to perform a diagnostic exam to determine if you have an adequate amount of jawbone to support a dental implant. This initial consultation will also include a review of your medical history to determine if there are any underlying conditions that may inform the treatment plan, and whether it is necessary for you to take antibiotics prior to the surgery to reduce your risk of infection.

Bone Graft (if necessary)

Patients who do not have sufficient jawbone, or whose jawbone is too soft will need to schedule an appointment for a dental bone graft. During the dental bone graft procedure, an incision is made into your gumline, after which the area is cleaned out and grafting material is placed. Over the next several months, your body will deposit new bone cells around the graft, and eventually new bone growth will replace the grafting material, at which point the dental implant procedure can continue.

Dental Implant Placement

The dental implant process begins by pulling back the gums around the missing tooth. Once these are pulled back, we will drill a small hole into your jawbone in which the titanium post will be placed. This post will act as a stand-in for your natural tooth root. Once this post is placed, your gums are sewn back shut and the osseointegration process can begin.

Osseointegration is the process where your natural bone fuses to the titanium post, which can take anywhere from three to nine months to occur, depending on several factors, including your body’s natural healing process. Once osseointegration is complete, it will be time to install the abutment, after which the gums will be sewn shut once more and allowed to heal for one to two weeks. Finally, the crown is attached the to the abutment and your bite is tested to ensure there is proper alignment. Following this, the dental implant process will be complete.

Recovery

In addition to the time involved in having a dental implant placed, it is also important to be prepared for the time spent during recovery periods throughout this process. Each part of the healing process will vary in time depending on how many implants are being placed as well as your body’s natural healing process. To help facilitate this process, be sure to closely follow aftercare instructions to ensure a faster recovery time and to reduce your risk of developing complications.