A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

Professionals consider dental implants the premier replacement for missing or damaged teeth.

Many patients considering dental implants feel intimidated by the procedure. Fortunately, the process is more straightforward than ever.

This guide will explain the process of getting a dental implant and answer some common questions about the procedure.

How Dental Implants Work

A single-tooth implant has three parts: a titanium post or anchor, a stainless steel abutment, and a dental crown. The post bonds with the jawbone, creating a sturdy base for the crown.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Step 1: Consultation

Before beginning the implant process, you will consult your dentist and discuss your needs. Your dentist will inform you whether you are a good candidate for implant surgery and what you can do to improve your chances of success.

Your dentist will take multiple digital X-rays of your teeth, gums, and oral structures. They will inform you if you have sufficient bone density to support an implant.

Finally, your dentist will create a treatment plan that explains each step clearly.

Step 2: Tooth Extractions

If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist will extract it to make way for your implant. The implant post can often go in during the same procedure, saving a step.

Step 3: Bone Grafting

If your dentist determines you need additional bone mass to support an implant, you will see an oral surgeon for a bone grafting procedure. A graft uses ground and sterilized bone material placed in the jawbone, providing a framework for healthy bone growth. If you receive a bone graft, it must heal for about six to nine months before placing the implant.

Step 4: Implant Post Placement

We work with trusted local specialists to place implant posts for optimal results and then complete the process in our office.

The surgeon provides local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during surgery. Many patients opt for sedation, though the procedure is not as uncomfortable as believed.

The dentist makes a small opening in the gum and prepares the jawbone using a specialized tool. After inserting the anchor, the dentist secures the gum over it with sutures. The implant post must heal for a few weeks to a few months before the next step.

Step 5: Placing the Abutment

After the anchor bonds with the jawbone, the dentist opens the gum to add the abutment. An abutment is a cap that fits over the anchor, protecting it and allowing it to hold the dental crown.

Step 6: Restoration Placement

The dentist places your final restoration after the post and abutment have healed. Your dental crown will have a natural appearance and provide excellent chewing ability.

Healing from Dental Implant Surgery

Your dentist will provide detailed post-surgical instructions. Follow these guidelines for the first weeks after your procedure to maximize healing. Many patients' discomfort lasts only a few weeks after surgery. As your implant heals, you can gradually add your favorite foods to your diet.

Caring For Your New Implants

One of the outstanding qualities of dental implants is that they require the same level of care as healthy, natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist are generally enough to keep your implants in excellent shape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adult patients can safely receive dental implants. The following criteria determine the best candidates:

• Excellent general health with no untreated tooth decay or gum disease
• Excellent oral hygiene practices
• Healthy gums
• Absence of medical conditions that impede healing (cancer, diabetes, etc.)
• Sufficient bone density or ability to receive a bone graft
• Non-smoker or willing to quit

How do dental implants protect jawbone health?

Dental implants have one significant advantage that sets them above other tooth replacements: they bond with the jawbone to create a natural look and feel. The bonding process is known as osseointegration.

Since the jaw receives chewing stimulation from the implant post, it does not break down as it would around an empty socket. Frequently, an atrophied jawbone creates a sunken look in the patient's face, aging their appearance.

Call Leland Dental

If you have gaps in your smile or damaged teeth, you may feel self-conscious and ill at ease. A new dental implant can complete your smile and improve your outlook. Please call our Hanover, MA, office at 781-826-8395 to schedule your consultation today.