The Dental Implant Process: What To Expect From Start To Finish

Dental implants are the foundation of a smile restoration that looks and feels natural. That said, the process behind this premier smile restoration can take an average of five to eight months. The mouth must heal at every stage to ensure long-lasting tooth replacement. Taking a closer look at the dental implant process can help you feel more confident and prepared for it.

How dental implants replace teeth

Dental implants are biocompatible posts inserted into the jawbone to act as tooth roots. They are typically metal, but there are also nonmetal zirconia implants. With either material, the jawbone must fuse with the implants to form stable foundations for tooth replacements. Once this occurs, the periodontist will place the dental prosthetic — a dental crown, dental bridge, or permanent denture — on top of the implants via connecting pieces called abutments.

What to expect during the dental implant process

The consultation

The first step in the dental implant process is a consultation to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for oral surgery. This requires a comprehensive exam, which includes X-rays, to assess the condition of the jawbone and gums. The periodontist will also review the patient's medical history and discuss the steps involved in their specific treatment process, such as their expected timeline and recovery.

Qualifying procedures

Sometimes, dental work is needed to help the patient qualify for dental implants. The patient will need to have any tooth decay or gum disease treated. For those with insufficient jawbone density, the periodontist can recommend bone grafting to create a solid foundation for the implants.

Dental implant surgery

Periodontists can perform dental implant surgery in one or two appointments. They place the implants and, often, the abutments in the same visit. A temporary crown, denture, or other prosthetic is then used to help the patient throughout the healing process.

Healing and recovery

It can take several months for the dental implants to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, a periodontist will recommend a few checkups to ensure the implant is stable and the patient is healing properly. To aid in their recovery, the patient will need to practice good oral hygiene, rest, eat soft foods (at least at first), and forgo alcohol and tobacco.

Artificial tooth placement

Once the mouth and jawbone are ready, the periodontist can replace the temporary tooth replacement with a permanent one. Again, this is typically a permanent dental crown, bridge, or partial or full denture. Each option will be made to look and work like the patient’s natural teeth.

Regular checkups

Routine dental cleanings and exams help ensure the dental implant remains in good condition and that any potential issues are caught early on. Just like natural teeth, implants require brushing and flossing daily to last a lifetime. Otherwise, the gums around them can become infected and cause the implants to fail. Regular checkups can preserve the implants and the patient's oral health.

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