What Are the Stages of Getting a Dental Implant?

If the tooth is lost after an accident or needs to be extracted, the dentist may recommend getting a dental implant for replacement. Replacing a tooth is often the last resort when the tooth is too infected to be saved with root canal therapy or too damaged to be covered with a dental crown. Getting an implant is a multi-stage process that often spans a few months.

The implant process

The following are the steps involved in the dental implant procedure.

Initial consultation

Patients will need to have a consultation with the dentist before the process starts. This is necessary to determine if the person is qualified for the implant procedure. This process may involve an assessment of their dental and medical records. The dental professional will also take dental impressions and X-rays of the jaw around the location of the missing teeth.

In some cases, a CT scan of the mouth is required so the dentist can determine the condition of the jawbone and how much of it can hold the dental implant. If the jawbone does not have adequate volume, the patient may experience nerve damage and eventually, dental implant failure.

Bone grafting

If there is inadequate bone available to hold the implant, the dentist will discuss bone grafting procedures to improve the jawbone. The implant is held in place by the jawbone, so it might fail and dislodge when subjected to normal biting forces if the jawbone is not strong to support it.

For the bone grafting process, bone material will be taken from another area of the body (usually the chin, jaw, or chin), a donor, or artificial options and added to the deficient jaw area so the implant can get enough anchor in the mouth. If this procedure is necessary, patients will need to wait a while afterward to get the dental implants.

The traditional dental implant procedure

The conventional way of completing the dental implant procedure takes two stages, separated by three to six months. The months in between gives patients enough time to heal.

In the first stage, an incision will be made on the gums to create an access hole into the socket of the lost tooth. The implant is placed into the jawbone, and the incision is stitched up and allowed to heal.

After a few months, the jaw and gums would have healed, and patients will be ready for the next stage of the procedure. A new cut may be created to uncover the implant; then a healing cap is attached. The healing cap guides tissue healing.

Next, an abutment is placed, which is the part that connects the implant to the crown. It holds the dental crown properly to prevent it from dislodging. Crown placement marks the end of the dental implant process. A custom-made dental crown is fabricated to fit the rest of the patient’s smile.

In conclusion

If you have a missing tooth, you can restore your smile by opting for a dental implant. If you need additional information about the process, contact the dental office to book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

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