What is Dental Implant Procedure | Step by Step Process

By: Dr. Rajan Sharma

dental implant steps pictures

Dental implants are a common form of tooth restoration. They improve biting and chewing ability, speech, and overall oral health. The dental implant procedure is outpatient surgery that attaches an artificial tooth to the jawbone. The implant connects to the bone via titanium posts which connect to an abutment and then a crown. These metal posts fuse to the bone to form a lasting bond. The crown itself is either fixed or removable. Understanding this placement as well as the dental implant recovery process helps patients decide if implants are the right choice for tooth restoration.

What is a Dental Implant Procedure ?

A dental implant is a replacement for a natural tooth that has been lost or damaged beyond repair. A dentist or periodontist may recommend it for a patient in order to restore full mouth functioning. An implant looks and performs like a natural tooth.

Why Get a Dental Implant Process ?

Replacing lost or damaged teeth makes chewing easier. This, in turn, helps with proper digestion. There are cosmetic benefits as well. Missing teeth can make us self-conscious and afraid to smile. When our teeth have been restored with dental implants, we feel confident in our smile and our appearance. We feel better about ourselves. Some people opt for dentures or bridges, but dental implants won’t slip and do not require removal for cleaning and maintenance.

What Happens in a Dental Implant Placement ?

The full dental implant procedure steps varies by patient. The type of implant needed and the condition of the jawbone are factors the periodontist considers. The result of the surgery is a permanently attached implant fused with the jawbone.

There are several dental implant procedure steps which starts with a dental exam and 3-D CT dental scan. The doctor will also review the patient’s medical history before determining the proper treatment plan. This outpatient surgery is performed in several stages to allow for proper healing in between.

First, the damaged tooth is extracted and the jawbone is prepared. In some cases, bone grafting is required. Next, the dental implant is placed and the bone is allowed to heal and fuse with the titanium posts. After proper healing has occurred, the abutment, which supports the crown, is placed. Lastly, the crown is placed. The entire process may take a few months, but most of this time is dedicated to healing.

Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed. Swelling of the gums and face is not uncommon after surgery as well as pain and minor bleeding. The patient is advised to eat only soft foods while the jawbone and gums heal.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants Placements?

Depending on the needs of the individual patient, there are options for single and multiple tooth implants. The condition of the jaw bone must be taken into consideration before the placement of the implant. If the jaw bone is not strong enough, the implant may fail.

Your dentist will take X-rays and use 3D CT scan imaging to get a complete picture of your mouth. The dentist will determine if a bone graft is needed to strengthen the area where the metal rods are to be inserted. The damaged tooth or teeth must be removed before the implant can be inserted.

Learn More About Dental Implant Steps & Procedure Today!

EON Clinics employ highly-trained teams of oral surgeons and prosthodontists to perform dental implant procedures. These dental professionals work with well-trained staff members to put their cutting-edge technology to use in in-house labs. This creates a one-stop shop for all dental implant needs at clinics throughout Chicagoland and in southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana.

From single and multiple tooth to full jaw all-on-4 dental implants, EON Clinics helps patients enjoy eating and smiling again. Find out how dental implant process can improve your life.

Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.