What are the steps for getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that typically takes 5-6 months to complete (although sometimes it takes longer).
1. Initial consultation and evaluation
The first step is being evaluated to see if you’re a candidate for an implant.
A 3-dimensional x-ray of your jaws (a CT scan) will be taken to see if you have enough jawbone to support a dental implant.
Your doctor will review your medical history with you.
They will perform an examination of your mouth to see if you’re a candidate.
If you are a candidate, you’ll be presented with a treatment plan that outlines the price for each step of the process.
2. Tooth extraction (if necessary)
If the implant is replacing a damaged or decayed tooth, the tooth will be removed first. A lot of times, the implant can be placed in the extraction site the same day the tooth is removed.
3. Bone grafting (if necessary)
Sometimes bone grafting is necessary if the tooth is removed the same day the implant is being placed or if you’re lacking bone where the implant will be placed. Bone grafting is performed when extra jawbone is needed to support the implant. A good example is a post being placed in the ground. If it lacks support at the base, you would build up the base with dirt or concrete to support the post. That is what bone grafting does in this situation.
4. Implant placement
Your doctor will place the implant in the jaw. Once it is placed, we wait approximately 4 months for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. A fancy term for this is osseo-integration. This is the process where the bone grows up and attaches to the implant. This is what provides long-term stability for the implant.
5. Placing healing abutment
Your implant is placed in your jaw and is below the gums. In this step, a small incision is made in the gums and a metal piece called a healing abutment is attached to the implant. This provides access to the implant and prepares us for the next step, making the abutment and crown, the visible portion of your implant. We typically allow the gums to heal for 3 weeks before taking digital scans to have the crown made.
6. Scanning for abutment and crown
We will use our intraoral scanner to take scans of where your natural teeth are, where your implant is, and how your teeth come together. These will be sent to an outside lab where your abutment and crown will be made. The crown is what you will see in the mouth, the abutment is what connects the crown to the implant in your jaw. Digital scans are more accurate, faster, and cleaner than traditional impressions.
6. Abutment and crown placement
Once we receive your case back from the lab, we’ll bring you in, attach your abutment and crown to the implant and you’re all set. You have a new tooth!
7. Aftercare
Aftercare for your new implant is much like your other teeth. Brush and floss twice a day, and visit your regular dentist and hygienist on your normal schedule.
