Whether you have been living with a missing tooth for a while, just lost a tooth due to an accident or infection, or your dentist recommended an implant, there’s a possibility that you are wondering about the dental implant procedure.
What happens first? How long will it take? How many visits will I need? These are just a few of the many questions I heard during my practice.
In this article we’re going to review the three main steps of getting a dental implant. Remember, the first step in the implant process is always a consultation depending on country/region you are in the consultation service may or may not be free. This is where you learn about your options, discuss pricing and financing options if required.
Dental Implant Procedure Steps
Assuming you have already completed your consultation, let’s get started with the dental implant procedure steps.
Step 1: Implant Placement
Your tooth has been removed and you are ready to get it replaced. The first step is the placement of the implant. The dentist will be surgically placing the implant in the upper or lower jaw. This does require some drilling as the implant must fit precisely into the jawbone, acting like the root of your new tooth. The placement of the implant is where the real expertise of the dental implant specialist or oral surgeon comes in. It requires expert knowledge, skillset, and years of experience along with the assistance of 3D imaging technology to put implant without damaging the nerves.
When the implant is placed, a “healing cap” is placed over it to protect it during step 2. It’s important to note that bone grafting may be required either before or during the implant placement, if it is required oral surgeon will discuss with you beforehand.
Step 2: Healing
Once the implant is in place it is now time to heal. This is critical during the dental implant procedure steps. You have to let the bone in your jaw grow around the implant. This takes some time but it helps to make dental implant very strong, that’s why implants are highly recommended as the best longterm tooth replacement option.
Osseointegration is big word for the implant “fusing” to the jaw bone. The bone grows around implant and locks it in a place. This process can take a few months. Don’t worry though, you will have a “healing cap” to protect the implant while it heals and a temporary crown so it doesn’t look like you have a missing tooth in the process. Once healing is completed, it’s time to move on to step 3.
Step 3: Tooth Replacement
The dentist will create a custom crown for you that will look, feel, and act as your new tooth. If you are replacing more than one tooth then a bridge or denture may be needed instead of a crown.
What is most important about this step is that you will leave the dentist’s office with your new tooth. No one will be able to tell that you had a missing tooth in the first place.
These are the three most important steps in the process. If you have any concerns or question please reach out to me at [email protected]
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