The Dental Implant Process Explained

Missing teeth have the ability to throw your bite out of alignment. It can alter your facial shape. They are capable of making you self-conscious about your smile. Professional dentists can suggest artificial teeth attached in or near the jawbone with a dental implant if you opt for missing teeth replacement.

Dentists surgically place dental implants or artificial teeth into the jawbone. The bone surrounding the implant grows and holds it securely in place over the course of several months. Then, they attach replacement teeth with a metal connector to the implant to fill in the gap.

This blog will discuss the entire process of dental implants.

The Dental Implant Process

The entire process involves meticulous planning as well as precise execution. Below is the comprehensive step-by-step guide of what you can expect.

Initial Consultation

The journey will start with an initial consultation with your dentist. This meeting consists of a complete assessment of your oral health. Once done, the dentist will review your medical history. After that, they will take any needed scans or X-rays. These steps are significantly vital as they help determine your suitability as a candidate for implants. In addition, these steps also help to plan accurately the implant treatment.

Treatment Plan

Your dentist will customize a treatment plan for you post-consultation. This plan will offer a constructed outline of the steps, timeline, and costs involved in the specific process of dental implants Fort Lauderdale.

Tooth Extraction, if Necessary

Dentists will extract the tooth that has to be replaced if it is still present. In some cases, they immediately place the implant after extracting the tooth.

Dental Bone Graft, if Necessary

Is your bone too soft or not thick enough? In this scenario, the dentist might suggest bone grafting before the implant surgery. This process consists of adding bone or bone-like material to the jawbone. It will help strengthen the jawbone. The dentist can recommend the use of a general anesthetic depending on the duration of the bone graft process.

Implant Placement

An implant is essentially a commercial-grade titanium screw. It is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum tissue during dental surgery. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum where the implant will be placed. Once done, they will drill a hole in the bone and insert the implant. After that, they will stitch the gum closed over the implant.

Healing Time

It will take several weeks or months. This period, called osseointegration, is vital for the implant to properly fuse with the jawbone. It provides a solid foundation for the new artificial tooth.

Abutment Placement

An abutment serves as the base for your new implant tooth. After the completion of healing, your dentist will attach this to the implant. In some cases, dentists will do this at the same time they place the implant. They will reopen the gum tissue to expose the dental implant. Then, they attach the abutment to the implant. Once done, they close the gum tissue around, but not over the abutment.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Once your dentist places the abutment and the gum tissue has healed around it, they will take the impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth. They will use these impressions to make the final restoration. Then, they will attach the crown to the abutment.

Are you looking to get dental implants? Contact our dentists now for more information about the process, timeframe, and cost of the service.