What To Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure

Missing teeth not only drag down your self-confidence but can also prematurely sag the skin around your smile. This can make a patient look much older than they are and can age the look of your smile significantly. One of the best ways to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant procedure. A dental implant columbus oh procedure is the most highly recommended option for replacing single or multiple teeth. It is the only procedure available that goes beyond the gum line to ensure strength and stability of the dental crown. While many people fear the pain the may be paired with this procedure, modern medicine has allowed dentists to numb a patient completely, or even put them in a deep sleep, to ensure there is no pain felt during the surgery.

What Are the Steps For a Dental Implant Procedure?

Step 1: Consultation

One of the most important steps in your dental implant procedure is the consultation. This step gives the patient the opportunity to ask any and all questions regarding the process. Your dental professional will ensure there are no surprises when it’s time for the procedure. During the consultation, that the dentist will also perform a full examination of your teeth as well as perform an x-ray of your mouth. The entire procedure will be discussed in a specific break down; financial costs will also be addressed.

Step 2: Dental Implant Placement

On the day of the dental implant placement, your dental professional will be sure to numb the necessary area of your mouth, with an anesthetic. The dentist will use a variety of tools to enlarge the tooth cavity in order for the implant to screw in. A titanium post will then be inserted into this cavity and screwed into the jawbone below. This post is meant to replace the use of a tooth root. The process may take up to 2 hours. Once the post is inserted, a temporary dental crown will be added to hide the empty space in the mouth. This is considered a placeholder before the permanent dental crown placement.

Step 3: Bone Fusion

During the next 6-8 months, your jawbone will fuse together with the titanium post in a process commonly known as osseointegration. The fusion allows the post to strengthen the bone area beneath the cavity to give a solid foundation for a tooth replacement. This newfound base will act as an artificial tooth root for the tooth to be cemented on.

Step 4: Abutment

During this process, your dental professional will reopen the gums that cover the newly fused post to cement or screw on the abutment. This tool becomes the official foundation for the dental crown to sit on. The abutment is added but will sit on top of your gums. There will be another healing period that will allow the gums to close up and around the new abutment.

Step 5: Permanent Crown Placement

The final step of the dental implant process is placing the crown. This piece will either be cemented or screwed into the abutment. The crown is custom crafted to fit every patient's individual needs. It will be shaped to match the size, color, and shape of your teeth, so there is a consistent look. Many patients can’t tell the difference from their natural to their fabricated teeth!

Interested in reading more about dental implants? Here's some information on the differences between dental implants and a dental bridge.