Dental implants have become a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. They are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a long-term solution for those looking to restore their smile. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the process involved. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how dental implants are put in.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first step towards getting a dental implant is scheduling a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will assess the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They may take X-rays or 3D images to evaluate the density and quantity of your jawbone. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, you may require a bone graft before proceeding with the implant.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Once you’re deemed a suitable candidate, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan takes into account factors such as the number of teeth to be replaced and the condition of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implant surgery is typically performed by a team that includes periodontists, oral surgeons, and restorative dentists.
Step 3: Preparing the Jawbone (If Necessary)
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you might need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. This process involves transplanting a piece of bone from another part of your body, or using a special bone graft material, to reinforce the jawbone. Healing from a bone graft can take several months before the jawbone is strong enough to support a dental implant.
Step 4: Dental Implant Placement
The dental implant, made of titanium, is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. This surgery generally takes about 1-2 hours for each implant. After the implant is placed, you’ll need to wait for it to integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. This can take several months, but it helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth, just as roots do for natural teeth.
Step 5: Healing and Growth
After the implant has been placed, the healing process begins. During this period, the jawbone grows around and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months, helps anchor the implant securely in the jaw.
Step 6: Abutment Placement
Once the osseointegration is complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment — the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This minor surgery is typically done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Step 7: Making Your New Tooth
After your gums heal, your dentist will make impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth. These impressions are used to create the crown — your realistic-looking artificial tooth. The crown can’t be placed until your jawbone is strong enough to support the use of the new tooth.
Step 8: Attaching the Crown
Once your implant and abutment are in place, your dentist will attach the custom-made crown. The crown is either cemented onto the abutment or secured with a screw. Once the crown is in place, your dental implant procedure is complete.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery is a process that involves several stages spread over a few months. While it may seem like a long journey, the result is a durable, stable, and realistic-looking replacement tooth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, helping you speak, eat, and smile with confidence.
Remember, every patient’s journey is unique, so it’s important to follow the specific advice and timelines provided by your dental care team. If you’re missing teeth and think dental implants might be the right solution for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Your new smile could be just a few steps away!