Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Unlike other dental treatments that can be completed in a day, the dental implant procedure is a multi-stage approach that typically takes around 3-4 months to complete. If you are considering the treatment, take a look at the different stages of dental implants to know what to expect.
1. Examination and Assessment
When you visit the clinic for your first appointment for dental implants, you can expect to have a thorough consultation with the dentist. They will ask about your oral health history, any medicines you’re taking, and whether you’ve had any previous surgery. Additionally, they will examine your mouth and teeth to determine whether you have signs of active gum disease or tooth decay that will need treatment before we can begin the dental implant procedure.
X-rays or CT scans may be taken so we can assess the health of your jawbone to ensure that dental implants are the best treatment option for you. The dentist will talk you through their findings, and if you are a suitable candidate, they can move on to the treatment planning stage. If you have health issues that need addressing, we can discuss how to achieve these so that you can proceed with the dental implant procedure later.
2. Treatment Planning
The treatment planning stage is one of the most vital steps in all the stages of dental implants.
If you haven’t already had your bone density assessed with a CT scan, it may be taken at this point.
The CT scan also acts as a template during the implant surgery, guiding the dentist to the best position for placement. As well as the placement site, the treatment plan also includes the implant’s type, size, and shape.
At this stage, you may also have impressions made of your mouth to provide you with a temporary denture to replace your missing tooth or teeth until your dental implant procedure is completed.
Once the treatment planning is complete, you will be given a date for your dental implant surgery.
3. Dental Implant Surgery
The surgical procedure to place your dental implants into the jawbone takes between 1 and 2 hours per implant. It is carried out under a local anaesthetic, although conscious sedation may be an option if you are particularly anxious about the procedure.
Implant surgery is relatively straightforward. Once you are comfortable after your anaesthetic has been administered, the procedure begins. It starts with a small incision in the gum to make a flap. This is opened to reveal the jawbone, where a small hole is drilled. The dental implant is placed inside, and the gum flap is moved back into position and sutured to cover the implant.
The area is left to heal, with sutures typically dissolving in 7-10 days.
4. Dental Implants Healing Time
Healing time refers to the immediate days following surgery and the time during which the dental implant integrates with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
Immediately following your dental implant surgery, you can expect some degree of swelling and bruising in your mouth. For most people, this will subside within a few days. However, it’s not uncommon for there to be some degree of mouth soreness for up to two weeks after the surgery.
The osseointegration process takes much longer, and although it varies, it generally takes a minimum of 3 months, but it may be up to a year for some individuals. Several factors can affect this timeframe, such as the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw and the implant design and surgical technique utilised.
5. Attachment of the Crown
After the implant has been placed and allowed to integrate with the surrounding tissue, the final stage of the procedure involves attaching the crown. It doesn’t require any special preparation, and the dentist will open up the gum to expose the implant, attaching the crown via a connecting post called an abutment.
Crowns are made from either porcelain or ceramic and are custom-made to match the colour of the natural teeth. You will have already agreed to the material with your dentist beforehand. Once the crown is attached, this completes all the stages of dental implants.
Looking After Your Dental Implants
Dental implants do not require special treatment, but you must have an excellent oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing and flossing. It’s also essential to maintain regular appointments with your dentist to make sure your implants remain problem-free.
With good care, your implants can last for 15 years or more.
Ultimately, they will prove to be a good investment that is as close to the look and functionality of your natural teeth as you could ever imagine.
Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile?
Now you know what’s involved in each of the stages of dental implants, get in touch with No Gaps Dental to schedule an appointment for your dental implant procedure. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and keeping our patients safe at all times by adhering to rigorous hygiene protocols and using a hand sanitiser that is effective against germs. All our team use hand sanitiser after every patient and recommend that you use hand sanitiser before touching your face once you return home after your implant procedure.
Call us now on (02) 8806 0227 for a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Colgate: Dental Implant Surgery
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/dental-implant-surgery
WebMD: Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
NCBI – Comparison of Long-term Survival of Implants and Endodontically Treated Teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872851/