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.