Implant Procedure
The implant process can be done in as little as one day or over the course of 18 months or longer depending on the patient’s particular case and health. In some cases, when this is a large amount of jawbone and the patient is in good health, specialists can offer immediate installations of the titanium post and crown but this is not too common. More often, healing is required in between the different steps of the procedure.
Generally, the crown is fitted several months after the implant placement, allowing the implant time to join with the jawbone. In cases involving bone grafting, the graft must first heal for several months before the implant installation process can be performed. Then the implant must integrate into the bone for several months before the crown can be placed on the implant.
While there is some variation in procedure, the following steps can serve as a basic outline of the procedures required for a dental implant.
- Dentist Examination -The dentist performs a first examination and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for placement of the implant post.
Installing the Implant Post - First, a general anesthetic is administered. If there is an existing bridge or denture, they are removed at this point. Then the gum covering the area of the jawbone is gently folded back and the underlying bone is prepared to receive the implant. If the bone is not sufficient enough for the implant, a bone graft may be done at this time. The jaw is treated with a cooling material to maintain its stability during the implant installation. The implant is then installed, and the gum sutured. The implant should fully integrate into the bone after 3 to 6 months. During this healing process, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function normally.- Attaching the New Crown – After the 3 to 6 months of healing, your oral surgeon or dentist will check the status of the implant for proper integration into the jaw bone and prepare you for the final placement of the permanent crown or ceramic tooth. The new tooth is installed and no additional treatment is needed.
The details of the procedure change slightly with the structure of the implant used.