Steps to Get a Dental Implant
If you're considering getting a dental implant, understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Before getting a dental implant, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you’re a good candidate.
- Oral Examination: The dentist will check your gums, remaining teeth, and bone structure.
- X-Rays or CT Scans: Imaging is used to assess jawbone density and locate nerves and sinuses.
- Medical History Review: If you have conditions like diabetes or take certain medications, your dentist will consider these factors before proceeding.
Ideal candidates for implants should have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone, and good overall health.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If the damaged or decayed tooth is still in place, it will need to be removed before the implant can be placed.
- Simple Extraction: If the tooth is visible and intact, it can be removed easily.
- Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is broken or impacted, a small incision may be needed.
Healing Time: Depending on the case, your dentist may place the implant immediately or wait for a few weeks for the site to heal.
Step 3: Bone Grafting (If Needed)
A strong jawbone is essential for supporting the implant. If you have bone loss due to missing teeth, injury, or gum disease, a bone graft may be necessary to strengthen the area.
- Minor Bone Grafts: Small bone grafts can heal within a few weeks.
- Major Bone Grafts: If a larger graft is needed, healing may take several months before implant placement.
Not everyone needs a bone graft, but it’s crucial for patients with insufficient jawbone density.
Step 4: Implant Placement Surgery
Once your jawbone is ready, the titanium implant post will be surgically placed into the bone.
- Local anesthesia or sedation is used to ensure a comfortable experience.
- The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone.
- The implant is inserted into the jawbone, acting as the new tooth root.
- The gum is stitched back over the implant for healing.
Healing time for this step varies but usually takes 3 to 6 months as the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Step 5: Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, your jawbone will gradually integrate with the titanium post, creating a strong foundation for the artificial tooth.
- Avoid hard foods, smoking, and excessive pressure on the implant site.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.
- Attend follow-up visits to monitor healing progress.
This stage is crucial, as a strong fusion ensures the long-term success of the implant.
Step 6: Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector piece) is attached.
- The dentist reopens the gum to expose the implant.
- The abutment is placed on top of the implant to hold the artificial tooth.
- The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the abutment (usually takes 1-2 weeks).
Some implants come with a pre-attached abutment, reducing the need for a second surgery.
Step 7: Crown Placement (Final Tooth Restoration)
After the gums have healed, the final step is placing the dental crown—the visible part of your new tooth.
- Custom Impressions: Your dentist will take impressions to create a crown that matches your natural teeth.
- Crown Fabrication: The crown is designed in a dental lab using materials like porcelain or zirconia.
- Crown Attachment: The crown is either cemented or screwed onto the abutment for a secure fit.
The result? A natural-looking, functional, and durable replacement tooth!