Dentists usually recommend dental Implants when one or more teeth are lost due to either injury, cavities or diseases. The implant is inserted into a cut the oral surgeon makes in the jawbone. Once the bone grows around the implant, it functions as the new base for a prosthetic crown that will replace the missing tooth.
For implants to be successful, the jawbone must be strong and thick enough to hold and sustain the implant. If the bone is not thick enough, bone grafting or augmentation may be necessary. Also, the existing teeth and the surrounding tissues must be healthy. When a dental implant is not suitable, the dentist may recommend alternatives, including dental bridges, and dentures (full or partial).
Below are the steps and timeline of a typical dental implant procedure.
At your first dental appointment, the dentist will perform a thorough examination. For the exam, the dentist will review your medical history, conduct X-ray scans and build impressions of your teeth and gum for the creation of models.
Sometimes, the dentist may ask for a computer tomography (CT) scan of your oral structure. These scans inform the dentist of the structural integrity of the jawbone for implant support. It will also reveal the position of nerves and sinuses (positioned over the upper teeth), so they will not be affected by the surgery.
Afterward, the dentist will discuss the appropriate treatment procedure, what to expect, the timeline and what is expected from you for the surgery. He or she will also let you know if a bone graft is necessary and the time the first step of the treatment commences.
If the dentist suggests bone grafting or augmentation, this means that the surgeon will cut a little bone part from anywhere on your body (usually from the chin or hip) and attach it surgically to your jawbone.
If you have a bone graft surgery, the oral expert will give four to twelve months for the bone to heal properly. Afterward, the jaw will be strong enough to hold the first implant.
Through surgery, the dentist will make a cut in your bone to insert the dental implants. Before the procedure, you will be sedated with local anesthesia. The process usually takes between one to two hours depending on how many implants are needed.
After inserting the implant, it should take between five to seven months for the bone to heal, depending on the location of the implant.
Following dental implant surgery, temporary crowns are used to keep the affected tooth space intact while the jawbone heals. Healing collars are placed on the implant to direct the gum tissue on the proper way to heal and to shield the implant from the gum. They typically stay on the tooth for 10 – 14 days.
The abutment is the part that connects the crown and the implants. After putting the abutment, the crown can then be screwed or bonded onto the implant. After this, the tooth would appear natural and function like a healthy tooth.
Generally, after a dental implant procedure, you should once again have a beautiful smile that you can be proud to show off.
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