Dental Implant Stages: What to Expect

Dental implants have become popular for replacing missing teeth thanks to their excellent stability, aesthetics, comfort, and durability. Like many people considering dental implants, you might be curious about what to expect during dental implant treatment. This article highlights the various stages of dental implant treatment and what to expect during each stage.

What are Dental Implants?

Teeth implants are dental prostheses used to replace missing teeth. The treatment consists of three main components: the implant post, abutment, and final prosthetic. The implant posts are often made of zirconia or titanium and are placed in the jawbone surgically to act like natural teeth roots. After healing, an abutment and final prosthetic (false tooth) are placed over the implant for a natural appearance and functionality.

Dental implants function, look, and feel like your natural teeth. Thus, they allow you to eat tougher foods, speak fluently, and regain your beautiful smile and self-confidence. Unlike alternative tooth replacement treatments like dentures or bridges, implants won’t slip, move, or dislodge when eating or speaking. Also, since they contain artificial materials, they won’t decay or get cavities. Visit our dental office near you for dental implants.

Dental Implant Treatment: What to Expect

Dental implant treatment often involves multiple stages and can take months to complete. The stages can include:

• Initial Consultation

Before any procedure, our dentist in Edison, NJ, must determine whether you’re eligible for dental implant surgery. They will conduct a comprehensive dental exam of your jawbone, gums, and mouth. The exam might include 3D imaging, X-rays, medical history and lifestyle assessments, and other tests.

If you’re eligible, the local dentist will design a customized treatment plan and discuss any additional information about the treatment, including the stages, costs, benefits, anesthesia, and risks. Generally, you may be eligible for dental implants if you:

• Have missing teeth
• Have enough, healthy jawbone
• Have generally good oral and overall health
• Commit to excellent oral hygiene practices
• Don’t take tobacco products
• Tooth extraction and bone grafting

If your tooth isn’t yet extracted, the dentist will begin the extraction. After extraction, you may have to wait a few weeks to allow the gums and bone to heal before getting the implant. Some offices can offer immediate dental implant placement if your jawbone and mouth are generally healthy.

If your tooth was extracted a while back, the underlying jawbone may have weakened due to a lack of chewing stimulation. Enough jawbone volume and density provide a sturdy foundation or support for the dental implant, increasing its success rate.

If your jawbone isn’t thick enough, implant support may weaken, leading to implant failure or other complications. Bone grafting involves adding new bone tissues onto your jawbone to stimulate repair and growth. Healing takes about 3 to 6 before placing the implant.

• Placing Dental Implant

The main dental implant surgery begins by administering an anesthetic to prevent pain or discomfort. Then, the surgeon makes an incision through the gums to expose the bone. Then, they’ll drill through the jawbone and place the implant post. The bone heals around the implants in the process of osseointegration to secure it. The implant acts like a root to your new artificial tooth. The healing process takes about 3 to 6 months. The surgeon can place temporary restorations like dentures to protect the implant and improve its appearance.

• Placing the Abutment

After implant healing, the dentist or oral surgeon will place an abutment, a piece that connects your implant to the final prosthetic (often a dental crown). Sometimes, an abutment may be placed with the implant post. However, for the separate surgery, the dentist will place the abutment to the implant and close the gums around it. Your gums must heal before placing the final restoration.

Once your gums heal, the dentist will take more impressions of your implant and teeth, which make the crown (artificial tooth). You can decide on a removable or fixed restoration.

• Placing the Final Restoration

Finally, the dentist or surgeon will place the crown (artificial tooth placement) over the abutment and implant. The dentist will examine your bite and fit to ensure a perfect bite and natural appearance.

Final Verdict

Most dental implants are highly successful, with a more than 95% success rate. Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential for a successful implant treatment. Contact KK Dental Edison to speak with our local dentist near you for more information about dental implants.