Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option that will improve your oral health, restore your mouth’s functionality, and boost your confidence. This dental implant guide will help you understand the implant treatment steps so you can feel at ease and prepared for the process, from the initial consultation to the final placement of your new, replacement tooth.
THE PURPOSE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants can completely replace a single tooth or multiple teeth with an artificial tooth root and crown, restoring the function, appearance, and health of your smile. With dental implants, you can enjoy your favorite foods, easily maintain your oral health, and smile confidently.
An implant consists of a small titanium post that is placed in the jawbone to serve as the replacement tooth root. A crown is attached to the implant, and is the visible part of the artificial tooth that is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth.
Let’s review the dental implant treatment steps.
DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT PROCESS
STEP 1 - Consultation & Treatment Planning
During your dental implant consultation with your oral surgeon at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, a series of images, scans, and impressions will be taken to guide your treatment planning. Together with your surgeon, you will determine the tooth replacement options that fit your needs and goals. A digital model will be created to guide the placement and position of your dental implant.
STEP 2 - Implant Placement
For the surgical placement of your titanium implant, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb your gum tissue. A small incision is made in the gums and a hole is drilled into the jawbone. Your oral surgeon will then place the implant into the bone and close the incision with small stitches.
An implant can be placed wherever adequate bone structure is present. If necessary, a bone graft will be performed first, which is covered below.
STEP 3 - Osseointegration & Healing
Following the implant placement, a healing period is required for the implant to fuse to the bone, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration ensures the implant becomes as stable as a natural tooth root, providing a solid base for the artificial tooth crown. During this process, a small metal healing cap will be attached to the top of the implant and protrude slightly above the gum line.
STEP 4 - Abutment Placement
Once the bone and post have fused together, the abutment is attached to connect the implant with the crown.
STEP 5 - Crown Placement
The final phase of the restoration process is to affix your prosthetic tooth crown to the abutment and dental implant. Your prosthodontist or dentist will create the custom-fit crown in the ideal size, shape, and color to fit properly with your adjacent teeth. They will then position, place, and adjust the crown to reveal a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile.
BONE GRAFTING
An implant can be placed wherever adequate bone structure is present. If there isn’t sufficient jawbone density to securely hold a dental implant, a bone graft will be required before a dental implant. Bone grafting is the process of rebuilding bone to successfully support a dental implant.
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we specialize in advanced bone grafting techniques to restore jawbone and prepare for dental implants, a vital first step for many patients. A bone graft uses granulated material in a specific area of the body to promote new bone growth. The grafting material may be sourced from your own bone or a synthetic material may be used.
If the bone surrounding the site of your missing tooth is not healthy or sufficient, the graft will build up a bone ridge where the implant is to be placed.
A bone graft may be necessary before implant surgery for several reasons. Gum disease or trauma can weaken and damage bone. It is also possible that you naturally lack bone in a specific area. When a tooth is extracted or missing, bone in that area may also shrink.
When you have a tooth extracted and plan to have an implant replace it, the surgeon may be able to determine if you have inadequate bone density at the time of your extraction. The procedure of placing bone graft material into the empty tooth socket immediately following a tooth extraction is called site preservation. It prevents the jawbone from shrinking and preserves the site for future dental implants or other restorative treatments.
When teeth are lost in the upper jaw, the bone often shrinks rapidly, causing the sinus cavity to enlarge and encroach on the tooth-bearing area. This may result in the need for a sinus graft. By grafting bone under the lining of the sinus, the height of your upper jaw is increased. This graft creates an adequate foundation for the implant.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Our team prioritizes patient education and we always want you to feel fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plans. Contact us if you have questions or to schedule a consultation for dental implants with our experienced specialists at any of our locations in North Carolina or South Carolina.
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