Dental Implant Procedure: Your In-Depth Step By Step Guide

Have you been silently suffering because of missing teeth? Then, you must have considered dental implant restoration. Dental implants, by far, are the best tooth-replacement option in the market. They have altered countless lives, and currently, over 3 million Americans have dental implants.

So, if you are thinking of seeking implant restoration dentistry, you may need to look at this step-by-step guide to learn about the dental implant restoration procedure.

Overview

When you go for dental implant restoration, you are primarily seeking to replace the tooth roots. Dental implants are mostly fashioned from titanium. These root-sized posts are like screws for artificial teeth.

Our dentist can use different types of implants and implant techniques, depending on your need. At times, you may need to undergo several procedures before the dental implant is placed in your jawbone.

Without further ado, let’s view the implant restoration steps.

1. Initial Assessment

When you come to our office, our dentist will do a thorough examination to check the condition of your jawbone, which will determine the best implant restoration procedure. In addition, you can expect our dentist to take x-rays, impressions, and match the color of your teeth so that you can get a tooth replacement that looks natural.

Also, you will determine the number of teeth you desire to replace using dental implants. This means that you may need to plan with other dental specialists, especially if you have other issues plaguing your oral health.

Our dentist will also check your medical history and medications. Antibiotics can be prescribed before the procedure to avoid infection if our dentist finds it necessary.

2. Tooth Extraction

If the tooth you need to replace is still intact, our dentist will have to extract it before any other dental work is performed. In some cases, the tooth extraction can be done at the same time as dental implant placement.

Also, you will discuss the anesthesia options with our dentist. Anesthesia is necessary as this will numb the area so that you won’t feel any pain.

3. Bone Grafting

One of the main reasons you need the initial assessment is for our dentist to ascertain whether you are eligible to undergo the dental implant restoration procedure. Our dentist will check if your jawbone is healthy enough to accommodate a dental implant and hold it in place.

If our dentist notices that your jawbone is not thick and strong enough, you may need to undergo bone grafting. With bone grafting, our dentist will take some bone from another area of your jawbone away from the implant site and then add it to where the implant will be placed. You may need to wait a few months for the bone to heal before you get an implant.

Remember, this step is not mandatory, but it is only carried out if our dentist notices that you don’t have enough bone.

4. Inserting the Dental Implant

Once the damaged teeth have been extracted and you have undergone bone grafting, the implants can be inserted. Again, our dentist will ensure that you will have a pain-free experience.

The dental implants will be inserted with pinpoint precision into your jawbone. Our dentist will confirm whether the implant has been secured. In most cases, you will undergo the two-step implant process. This means that the implant will be placed, and then you will need to heal. You may wait for a few months as the titanium posts bond with your jawbone.

5. Abutment Placement

Once the implant has bonded with your jawbone, the abutment will be placed on the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the tooth replacement. Also, our dentist will place a healing cap to ensure that your gum tissue doesn’t grow over the abutment.

6. Adding the Tooth Replacement

After your gums have healed, our dentist will place the artificial crown. If you were replacing several teeth, you would need to go for dentures or dental bridges.

The Takeaway

The journey can be long, but it is worth the wait. After the crown is placed, your smile will be restored. You can contact our dentist at Barry J. Cunha if you need to undergo the dental implant procedure.