The dental implant procedure is different for every patient based upon their oral health needs prior to implant placement, healing times, and their schedule availability and urgency to complete the treatment process. With that said, there are certain steps that are common for all patients, which are important to know prior to your consultation visit.
The common steps involved with a dental implant procedure are the bone graft, dental implant placement, and the placement of the dental restoration. The following is a detailed review of these three primary steps and more to help you feel confident and alleviate any anxiety you may have.
A bone graft is an oral surgery procedure that involves grafting bone material to an area where bone loss has occurred. Not all dental implant patients require a bone graft procedure, but one is typically required if the patient has experienced notable bone loss inside of the jaw to an extent that makes it difficult to adequately support the implant. After a bone graft procedure, the jaw must heal, which usually takes several months.
A dental implant placement procedure is, of course, the main part of the process and what separates this form of teeth replacement from alternative solutions such as removable dentures and fixed dental bridges that use natural teeth as the abutments. Dental implant placement involves drilling a small hole in the area where the implant is placed and properly positioning the implant securely inside the jaw.
Osseointegration must take place after the placement of a dental implant. During this process, the implant fuses together with the jawbone and creates a strong and unified hold. This process can take a varying amount of time, ranging from four months to more than six months.
Once osseointegration takes place, then the patient can schedule a time for the placement of the abutment on each dental implant and the restoration. For single tooth replacement, a dental crown is used as the prosthesis. When replacing a section of teeth, a partial denture (also called a bridge) is used, and a complete denture that is permanently attached to four or five implants is used when all teeth on a single row require replacement.
After the restoration is attached, the process is complete. However, regular check-up visits are still required for a cleaning and to ensure the implant(s) and restoration remain in optimal condition. Patients can care for their new smile between visits the same as they would natural teeth.
Before the dental implant procedure officially begins, you can learn more about treatment and receive answers to your questions and concerns during a consultation visit with our dental team. We assist our patients throughout the dental implant procedure to ensure they feel as comfortable and in control as possible each step of the way.
Request an appointment here: https://palmbeachinstituteofdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Institute of Dentistry at (561) 763-9213 for an appointment in our West Palm Beach office.
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