Dental implants have become a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth and can last many years with proper care.
When it comes to dental implants, there’s a lot of information out there on the web. But what are the steps of the implant procedure?
This patient’s guide will walk you through everything from preparing for surgery to healing after. Whether you’re considering dental implants or just want to know more, this is the post for you. Read on for more information!
Blog Navigation
What are the Steps of the Dental Implant Procedure?
Getting dental implants usually requires a few to several visits to the dentist and some surgery. But it’s a procedure that has become increasingly popular because it can give you artificial teeth that feel and function like real teeth.
Unlike dentures, which can slip and cause sore spots, implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, making them comfortable.
The dental implant treatment procedure typically involves several steps, including initial consultation, tooth extraction (if necessary), bone grafting (if needed), implant installation, abutment installation, and, finally, dental prosthesis installation.
Here’s what happens during each stage of the dental implant process:
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a patient interview and ask questions about your medical history and oral health condition. They will assess your mouth to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. X-rays, 3D scans, and photos of your mouth will also be taken to get a clear picture of your teeth and jawbone. Your treatment plan will be based on these.
Your dentist will also evaluate the condition of your jawbone to see if it is strong enough to support dental implants. To qualify for implants, you must have sufficient gum tissue and bone density to support the implant.
Tooth Extraction
This stage is done only if necessary. Some cases will necessitate tooth removal, such as if the patient has a severely damaged tooth or if there is not enough room in the mouth for the dental implant.
The removal of the tooth is done under local anesthesia. Once it is extracted, the area will be left to heal for some time before the implant can be placed.
Bone Grafting
A bone graft may be necessary if there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the dental implant. This will involve adding artificial or natural bone to the jaw to create a solid foundation for the implant.
Once your jawbone has healed from the grafting procedure (which can take several months), you will be ready to proceed to implant surgery.
Implant Installation
During implant surgery, a small titanium post is placed into the jawbone where your natural tooth used to be. This is done by making a small incision in the gum tissue and by drilling a hole into the jawbone. The titanium post is then inserted into this space, and the incision is closed with stitches.
This post serves as the root system for your new artificial tooth. These artificial roots will replace the natural tooth roots that were lost due to tooth loss. After the surgical procedure, you will need to wait for your gums to heal before moving on to the next step of the process.
Abutment Placement
Installing an abutment onto the titanium post is typically done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. An abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the titanium post and protrudes slightly above the gum line.
To place it, your dentist will open the gum tissue where the implant was placed and expose it. The abutment is placed on top of the implant before the gum tissue is sutured closed. Sometimes, this step is no longer necessary, and the abutment is placed simultaneously with the implant.
Placement of Prosthetic Teeth
Finally, after a two-week recovery time, a natural-looking artificial tooth (called a dental prosthesis) is attached to the abutment. This can be a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a denture. It can be made from porcelain or ceramic material. It is designed to match your natural teeth in colour and shape to give you the confidence of a beautiful smile.
The entire process could take months. However, after completing all of these steps, the patient will have a functional and natural-looking set of teeth.
When is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure performed to restore a jaw bone that has undergone a bone loss. It is performed to help regenerate bone tissue and encourage bone growth. Without sufficient bone mass, implants will not be able to fuse with it properly and provide sufficient support to the artificial teeth.
The goal of bone grafting is to provide a solid foundation for dental implants or to improve the stability of natural teeth.
There are some situations when a dental bone graft may be necessary, including:
- When there is not enough natural bone to support dental implants
- When the jawbone has been damaged by periodontal disease
- When the jawbone has been removed due to trauma or surgery
In each of these cases, bone grafting can help strengthen the jawbone and allow dental implants or natural teeth to be placed.
Are You Put to Sleep During Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a relatively simple procedure that most people tolerate quite well. Most of the time, you’ll be awake during the surgery. You will be given local anaesthesia to numb the area around your natural teeth, gums, and jawbone.
However, there are a few instances when your dentist may recommend that you be put to sleep during dental implant surgery.
Sometimes, the dentist may need to graft bone tissue to support the implant post. This procedure can also be done under local anaesthesia.
If you feel anxious about the procedure, your dentist may recommend IV sedation or general anaesthesia. Also known as conscious sedation, IV sedation will help you relax during surgery, but you will still be awake. In contrast, you will be put to sleep for general anaesthesia.
Generally, the type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the surgery, your pain tolerance, and your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions about the procedure. We hope this guide has been helpful as it walks you through the steps of the dental implant procedure.
By now, you should know what to expect during the dental implant process.
At Maylands Dental Centre, we believe that an informed patient is a relaxed patient. That’s why we take the time to answer your questions and put you at ease. We also want you to be as informed as possible about the procedure, which is why we’ve put together this brief guide.
So if you’re feeling anxious about surgery, don’t worry – book an appointment online or please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you at Maylands Dental Centre soon!
FAQs
Dental implants are one of the more expensive teeth replacement options, with the average cost of a single implant ranging from \$3,000 to \$6,000.
There are a few factors that play into the final price tag, such as:
- The type of implant
- The number of implants to be placed
- The need for additional dental treatment procedures such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, and sinus lifts. These are separate procedures and should be paid for separately.
- The skill and experience of your dentist
- The location of the dental clinic
Dental implants are more expensive than traditional bridges or dentures, but they offer several advantages, including improved comfort and natural-looking results.
If you are considering them, it is important to consult an experienced dentist who can help you determine if they are the right option.
Dental implants are often considered a permanent solution, a long-lasting replacement for teeth lost due to a damaged tooth, tooth decay, or trauma. However, it’s important to remember that nothing is truly “permanent.” With that said, dental implants can last for many years with proper care; in some cases, they may even last a lifetime.
Several factors affect the longevity or lifespan of these replacement teeth, including the type of implant used, the quality of the oral tissue surrounding the implant, and the patient’s overall oral health.
In general, dental implant procedure has a high success rate, and many patients can enjoy their new teeth for many years. However, it is important to remember that it also comes with the risk of complications.
It must be kept in mind that the longevity of dental implants is ultimately determined by the patient and the care that they take for their implants.
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for many people, but they’re not right for everyone. A patient must have healthy teeth and gums and sufficient bone density to qualify.
Additionally, a few characteristics make someone not a good candidate for dental implants. These are:
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer
- Smokers
- People with active gum disease or periodontal disease
- People with poor oral hygiene
- Heavy drinkers
- People who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck area
- People with osteoporosis or other bone diseases
- Children and teenagers
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the recommended way to find out is to schedule a consultation with an experienced implant dentist. They’ll be able to assess your individual case and let you know what options are suitable for you.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not currently cover dental implant surgery. However, Medicare Advantage may cover some related treatment costs, such as the cost of the implant itself or the cost of the crown or dental bridge. It is always recommended to check your specific plan to see what costs are covered.
In addition, several dental discount plans can help offset the cost of tooth implants. These plans work with participating dentists to provide significant savings on all types of dental procedures, including implants.