The Process of Receiving Dental Implants From an Implant Dentist

Dental implants are one of the best and most permanent ways to replace missing teeth, but you must follow a lengthy and intricate process. With the help of an implant dentist, you can go through the lengthy process with ease, ensuring the procedure is a success. This article will review the process one can expect when receiving dental implants.

Initial consultation with the implant dentist

When a patient visits our office for a dental implant consultation, the implant dentist will perform a set of tests to determine whether they are an ideal candidate. These tests include dental X-rays and a physical exam that evaluates the gum tissue’s health and bone density level. The implant dentist will also review the patient’s overall health and dental history. The dentist will then take impressions (molds) of the mouth to plan the placement of the implant later in the process.

The first appointment

The first official appointment of the dental implant process will depend on the patient’s intended implant site. If an extraction (tooth removal) is required, the implant dentist will need to perform this first before being able to insert the implant. They will then place the implant after a period of healing.

If there is no need for an extraction, the dentist will begin by placing the patient under local anesthesia. They will then insert the implant by making a small incision in the gumline, exposing the jawbone. Next, they will create a hole in the jawbone to hold the implant before securing it in place. The implant will act as the new tooth roots for the entire restoration.

The patient will then enter a period called osseointegration. During this period, the jawbone will fuse to the post, taking three to six months to complete.

The second appointment

After osseointegration, the implant dentist can place the abutment. The abutment is what connects the dental implant to the rest of the restoration. To install the abutment, the dentist must open the gumline again and secure it on top of the metal post. To finish the appointment, the implant dentist may order new impressions to create the custom restoration. Since the dentist did not have to create deep incisions during the appointment, the healing process will not take nearly as long as the first, only lasting about two weeks.

The third appointment

The third and final appointment in this process involves the dentist placing the permanent restoration that was made specifically for the patient. The restoration will have been agreed upon in the consultation. It could be fixed dentures, a crown (most popular), or a fixed bridge.

Once placed, the dentist will ensure the patient is happy with the look and fit of their new smile. Then, if necessary, they can make slight adjustments so there are no problems later.

Additionally, the implant dentist will advise the patient on best practices to ensure the implants last as long as possible. They will also recommend a maintenance schedule for the patient to keep throughout the year, which includes returning every six months for a checkup.