Considering dental implants to replace missing teeth? A wise choice! Dental implants are a long-lasting, popular solution for restoring your smile; however, the process needs investment of both time and money. Take this blog as your initial guide to learn about the dental implant process step by step.
Step 1: Planning
The dental implant procedure starts off with a comprehensive dental exam that includes taking dental X-rays, producing 3D images, and models of your teeth along with jawbone. This is done to assess your suitability for the procedure. During this physical exam, they will check your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine if you have any underlying dental issues that need treatment before the implant procedure.
The review of your medical history is an essential part of the planning process. In this meetup, inform your dentist about any existing medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders that can affect the success of the implant procedure.
Based on the results of the dental exam and your medical history, your dentist will devise a customized treatment. They will outline the details step by step of your dental implant procedure, the type of implant to be used, and the estimated cost.
Step 2: Placing the Dental Implant (Tooth Root)
The second step in the dental implant procedure involves surgical placement of a titanium post into the empty socket where the missing tooth used to reside. This post serves as the root and a stable foundation for the artificial abutment and crown to be attached later.
Getting a dental implant does not hurt at all since the implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Additionally, some patients with dental anxiety may choose IV sedation for comfort. During the procedure, a small incision in the gum tissue is made to expose the bone socket, and then drilled to place the implant post. The implant post is then secured in place with screws or cement.
Next step is jawbone growth around it, a process known as osseointegration. This process takes a few months, during which time you have to follow a soft food diet and avoid chewing on the implant site.
Optional Step: Bone Graft
If the jawbone does not have adequate thickness or density, an additional bone graft may be necessary to provide a solid base for the implant.
Step 3: Abutment Placement
Once the jawbone has grown around the implant post, the next step is to fix an abutment to the post. The abutment is a tiny connector that passes through the gum tissue and links to the implant post, providing a base for the crown.
Step 4: Fitting and Re-examination
Once the abutment is in its place, the final restoration, which may be the crown, bridge, or denture, can be attached to the abutment. The final restoration is custom-made to match your real tooth for a natural and functional replacement for the missing tooth.
Closing Note
The dental implant procedure has multiple steps. Starting from planning, to artificial root fixation and then placing the dental implant. Every step is crucial for the successful placement and long-term health. If you want more information and do not know where to start, contact Dr. Paichun (Patrick) Huang, DDS, with fellowship status from Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) at Briar Forest Dental Group. We are here to answer all your queries and issues; dial (713) 784-4430 to connect with us. Feel free to learn ways we can be of help.