Dental Implant Placement

5 Simple Steps of Dental Implant Placement

An implant is an artificial root that replaces the tooth root of lost or extruded teeth, providing a strong support for crown placement. Dental implants are typically used to replace one or more missing teeth, either alone or in combination with other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges.

The implant treatment process involves several steps that occur within a period of three to nine months. Here are the steps involved:

Step 1: Assessment and Treatment Planning

Following a full discussion with your dentist of all possible tooth replacement options, the dentist will examine the feasibility of providing implant treatment. X-rays will be taken, followed by preparation of the models.

A treatment plan will then be devised, detailing the sequence of treatment and associated costs. If you are missing one tooth, then one implant should be enough to fill the gap. Larger spaces created by two or more missing teeth do not necessarily require one implant per tooth. Usually fewer are needed, but the exact number depends on the quality of volume of underlying bone at each potential implant site.

Step 2: Implant Placement

Placing the implant involves a minor surgical procedure that is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. If during the assessment the bone tissue was found to be deficient, your dentist may recommend a procedure to promote bone regeneration that is carried out before or at the same time as the implant placement.

Step 3: Integration Period

Implants usually take 6 weeks to 6 months to fuse with the bone material – a process known as osseointegration. During this period, patients often wear temporary dentures or bridgework.

Step 4: Restorative Phase

After integration, the final restoration can now be bonded to the implant. Tooth replacement options range from one crown to removable overdentures to small or large bridges. These replacements are usually custom-made for your mouth in a lab setting.

Step 5: Maintenance

It takes several months before the implant treatment is complete. Once completed, you should be able to eat a normal, healthy diet with no difficulty. It is also important that you continue to clean your teeth and mouth thoroughly, as instructed by your dentist.

Final Note

Dental implants have a 95% success rate. With proper care, they can last as long as your natural teeth, and possibly for your lifetime.