Dental Implants Procedure
Dental implants are a popular and effective option for patients who are interested in repairing their smiles after tooth loss, though many patients want to learn more about the procedure from start to finish.
The decision to have dental implants placed is made during the initial consultation and evaluation appointment. Patients must be viable candidates for dental implants. This includes having a smile free from periodontal disease and tooth decay, as well as with sufficient bone structure in the jaw. X-rays are done to check for this and to determine the optimum placement locations for the implants.
An appointment is made for the oral surgery, which is done quickly and gently with an in-office procedure. The implant is placed into the bone and sutured up to heal. A temporary crown is put over the top, as several weeks go by for the process of osseointegration, which is when the bone of the jaw wraps around the implant and gives it the strength necessary to function at its best. This is monitored with follow-up appointments and x-rays. Once osseointegration has occurred, an abutment and dental crown are placed over the implant to look and function as a natural tooth within the patient's smile.
The decision to have dental implants placed is made during the initial consultation and evaluation appointment. Patients must be viable candidates for dental implants. This includes having a smile free from periodontal disease and tooth decay, as well as with sufficient bone structure in the jaw. X-rays are done to check for this and to determine the optimum placement locations for the implants.
An appointment is made for the oral surgery, which is done quickly and gently with an in-office procedure. The implant is placed into the bone and sutured up to heal. A temporary crown is put over the top, as several weeks go by for the process of osseointegration, which is when the bone of the jaw wraps around the implant and gives it the strength necessary to function at its best. This is monitored with follow-up appointments and x-rays. Once osseointegration has occurred, an abutment and dental crown are placed over the implant to look and function as a natural tooth within the patient's smile.