Dental Implant Procedure Steps (A Complete Guide)
Suppose you’ve lost your tooth due to an accident, blunt-force trauma, or dental extraction; a dental implant is a permanent tooth restoration that could last for your entire life. Dental implants are placed directly in your jaw, unlike dentures, which could slide around in your mouth. It allows an implant to look and function much like the natural tooth it replaces. If you’re considering dental implants, here is some more information on dental implant procedure steps and what you can expect from the entire process.
What Is a Permanent Dental Implant?
A dental implant involves replacing an extracted tooth with a metal post or stud screwed right into the bone to serve as an attachment to the crown or false denture that would otherwise not be stable enough or have anything to keep it situated in its position. That’s the main appeal of a permanent dental implant procedure.
Dental implant procedure step by step pictures :
Dental Implants, particularly the single-tooth variety, are indicated for people missing one or more teeth. Those who’ve lost teeth wish for a permanent teeth restoration solution that’s more secure than dentures or a dental bridge. It’s also used to replace missing teeth with bone supports that have withered away due to periodontal disease.
Dental Assessment
You will first have to consult with a prosthodontist before doing any work. This specialist (or a general dentist with special training in implant placement and restoration) will determine if you’re a qualified candidate for implant dentistry or not.
- Detailed Examination: Your dentist will have a comprehensive exam to review your dental and medical history. He’ll also take impressions of your gums and teeth (for creating teeth models) and take dental x-rays of your jaw, particularly the missing tooth or teeth area.
- CT Scan of the Mouth: In some cases, a computer tomography scan (also known as a CAT or CT scan) of the mouth is required so that the dentist knows what he has to work with. It helps him determine how much jawbone is available for a dental implant or if bone grafts are indicated (particularly those who lack a healthy jaw will need(bone augmentation).
The CT scan is also necessary for locating structures such as sinuses and nerves that should be avoided while doing implant surgery. It is better to avoid suffering from nerve damage or breaking your sinuses while attempting to regain the tooth you’ve lost through therapeutic means.
According to x-rays or the CT scan, the dentist can discuss bone augmentation or buildup options if there’s not enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant.
As discussed here in detail, grafting might be called for to ensure enough bone for the post to embed itself in. Otherwise, the dental implant procedure might fail and dislodges itself when you apply the regular biting forces to your implant.
Traditional Method Of Dental Implant Procedure
The traditional method requires two procedures having a gap of three to six months. The extra time is to allow the patient to heal first.
- Initial Incision: In the first procedure, a small part of your gums is cut to access the tooth socket area of your missing tooth, and now the dental implant will take its place.
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- Cutting and Drilling: After the small gum incision, your dentist will drill in the bone. Drilling is for placing the metal implant or post deep into the bone. After implantation is complete, the incision on the gums is then stitched and then allowed to heal.
- At this point, you’ll still have a gap where your tooth is missing. A partial, temporary denture can be placed for appearance if needed. You can remove this denture for cleaning and while you sleep.
- Healing Period and Second Procedure: After three to six months of healing comes the second part of the traditional dental implant procedure. A cut is made to expose the implant post placed in the first step
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Once exposed, a healing cap or collar is screwed atop the stud.
- Healing Cap Removal: The healing cap is designed to induce the surrounding gum tissue healing. After a few weeks, the healing cap is removed.
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- Abutment and Crown Placement: The dental abutment is now used to act as a bridge between dental implant post and final crown. The abutment is necessary to ensure a tight fit for the crown that can easily dislodge otherwise.
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One Stage Process or non-traditional method Dental Implant Procedure
Patients who require dental implants urgently are treated with one-stage implant dentistry instead. This procedure depends on the clinic or the dentist performing the surgery.
- During this procedure, the dentist will place the dental implant, abutment, and a temporary crown or dental bridge in one visit. The gums will heal in the presence of an already completed implant setup with no healing caps involved.
- Pros of one stage process are that the dentist won’t have to do incisions and stitches repeatedly over three to six months.
- Cons of this one-stage process risks complications since the traditional method allow the body to heal and adapt to the implant placement.
How long does dental implant surgery take?
- For a no complication implant, the surgery takes 70–90 minutes.
- For extraction and implant surgery, it can take about 90 minutes.
- For extraction and bone graft, it will take 75–90 minutes.
How long after a bone graft can you get implant?
the dentist can take about 3 to 6 months after the bone grafting procedure to place a permanent dental implant
How long does it take for a titanium implant to heal?
It usually takes about 1-2 weeks to heal from your stage one of dental implant surgery. After initial healing is complete, the titanium implant will need to continue to bond with the jaw bone.
Additional care on the patient’s end will do wonders.
Practice excellent oral hygiene. Just as with your natural teeth, keep implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue clean. Specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that slides between teeth, can help clean around teeth, gums and metal posts.
See your dentist regularly. Schedule dental checkups to ensure your implants’ health and proper functioning and follow the advice for professional cleanings.
Avoid damaging habits. Don’t chew hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can break your crowns or natural teeth. Avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products. Get treatment if you grind your teeth.