The Dental Implant Procedure Explained

The dental implant procedure is an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting solution for weakened and missing teeth. The artificial teeth that are placed—usually made from porcelain—can last for 15 years or longer with the proper care and the post and abutment can last for a lifetime. If you have severe tooth decay or a missing tooth, understanding the process will give you the confidence to consider this treatment for yourself.

Dental Implants Step by Step 

The dental implant process can vary slightly depending on the type of implants and the patient’s dental health. The below summary is a basic overview of the dental implant process. Make sure to follow your implant specialist’s directions to be properly prepared for each step of your dental implant procedure.

Step 1: Diagnostic Tests

To see whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, your dentist or oral surgeon will first evaluate your bone structure and oral health using a combination of tools:

• Dental X-ray

• 3-D cone-beam imaging

• Photographs

• Physical examination

Requirements for Dental Implants

For a successful implant, you need to be fully grown (an adult), have healthy gums and a strong jaw bone, and the surrounding teeth must be free from periodontal disease and decay. If there are any issues like gum disease or periodontitis, these will be treated first. Surrounding teeth with cavities or decay may be an indication that a bridge is indicated rather than an implant.

Risk Factors for Implant Failure

Some people are at a greater risk of failure or complications, including people with diabetes, people with epilepsy, and people who smoke. At your initial appointment, tell the dentist about any health conditions you have, all medications and supplements you take, and whether you smoke cannabis or tobacco (and whether you are prepared to stop). If you have any underlying conditions, you may still be able to have implants. However, medical clearance from both your dentist and your doctor is essential.

Step 2: Tooth Extraction (if needed)

If your dentist decides you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, he or she will make an appointment to extract any severely damaged teeth that can't be salvaged with root canal therapy and will be replaced with a prosthetic tooth. Tooth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, but various levels of sedation can also be used.

In the case of a missing tooth, nothing needs to be done at this stage and the oral surgeon can proceed directly to the next step. When a tooth has fallen out due to an accident or blunt trauma, the natural tooth can sometimes be re-implanted or a titanium post implanted in place of the tooth on the same day.

Step 3: Bone Graft (if needed)

In order for a dental implant to be able to support the full chewing force of a natural tooth, it needs to be supported by a thick, strong jaw bone. When teeth have been missing for a while, the bone tissue recedes and may need to be stimulated to regrow to provide a solid foundation for your new artificial tooth roots.

To achieve this, a bone graft can be performed. Under local anesthesia or IV sedation, a maxillofacial surgeon opens your gum line and inserts bone tissue into the jaw. There are different types of bone, and your surgeon will go over which type is best for you. Over the next 4 to 6 months, the bone grafting process stimulates new bone growth, creating a much stronger base for a dental implant.

Step 4: Placement of the Post

When it's determined that your jaw bone is thick and strong enough to support an implant (for many patients, a bone graft isn't required), you will make an appointment for the placement of the post. The post is a titanium or zirconium screw that literally screws into your jaw bone just as a natural tooth root does.

Under local anesthesia or IV sedation, the surgeon will make a cut in your gum and drill a hole in the bone where the replacement tooth will go. He or she will screw the post into the hole and may place a healing cap on top. 

During the next 3 to 6 months, the bone will fuse with the implanted post—a process known as osseointegration. You may be given a temporary crown or removable denture to wear while this process is taking place.

Step 5: Placement of the Abutment

Once the post is successfully fused with the bone, you will return to the dental office to have the abutment placed. This is an extension of the post that protrudes from the gum line and supports the crown (your artificial tooth). 

To place the abutment, the dentist or oral surgeon will reopen the gum or remove the healing cap, screw or cement the abutment onto the post, and close the gum tissue around the abutment. The gum tissue will then heal around the abutment for a period of around 2 weeks.

Step 6: Impressions Taken for the Crown

After the gums have healed, the dentist will take new impressions to determine the proper size and shape of your prosthetic tooth. You will also look at color shades with your dentist and choose the shade that most closely matches your natural teeth.

In the next week or two, the impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory so that your ceramic crown(s) can be made. During this time, you may wear a temporary crown on the abutment to hide any gaps in your smile.

Step 7: Placement of the Crown

The final part of the dental implant process is the placement of the crown. The crown is designed to mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth, and the durable material ensures that you never have to worry about getting a cavity. 

How Long Does the Process Take?

At our Bakersfield, CA dental office, we complete the dental implant process in several stages with healing periods in between. This ensures that your implants are exceptionally strong and much more likely to succeed. 

Calculated from the initial tooth extraction or bone graft, the time it takes to get dental implants is usually four to 12 months.

Benefits and Risks of Dental Implant Procedures

Dental implants offer many benefits for patients and are now the standard treatment for missing teeth. Implants are as strong as natural teeth, stimulate the jaw bone, and maintain a youthful facial structure. They are also far more comfortable than dentures. When performed by an experienced dental implant surgeon, the dental implant procedure has a success rate of 97% after five years.

Like any outpatient surgery, a dental implant procedure also has risks, including a risk of infection, nerve damage, an allergic reaction or sensitivity to titanium, and—when placed in the upper jaw—a risk of the implant protruding into the nasal cavity. It is crucial to know and identify symptoms of dental implant failure early. You can minimize risk by choosing a surgeon who is highly experienced in implant dentistry and by following all of the instructions for pre- and postoperative care.

The Most Important Things to Keep in Mind About the Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant surgery can be a life-changing decision and also one that requires a long-term commitment. 

For a successful implant procedure, it's essential to choose an experienced dentist with a wealth of glowing patient reviews, to dedicate the time required between each step for proper healing, and to take good care of your implant(s) and remaining teeth. 

Ultimately, you will enjoy a beautiful smile and be able to keep eating the foods you love, which is well worth the time and money invested.