dental implant process

Dental Implant Procedure Demystified: A Step-by-Step Guide

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: June 20, 2023

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Did you know? Over 200,000 dental implants are done annually in India, a figure that speaks of the rising appeal of the tooth replacement treatment. Want to know all about the dental implant procedure? Read on! In this article, we have designed step-by-step visual steps through the whole dental implant procedure. The entire field of dentistry has almost been revolutionized by dental implants. Pretty rugged and totally natural-looking solutions to missing teeth. You’ll approach this with much greater confidence and a better appreciation of the artistry involved when you understand what’s going on.

Step 1: First Consultation

The process begins with a first consultation with the dental implant specialist.

At the meeting, your oral health as well as the medical history will be assessed. Also, such instances may necessitate further imaging with X-rays or CT scans to determine the best position of the implant. This would bring on board a sure suitable candidate for the dental implants and enable the dentist to fashion the plan to suit your case uniquely.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

After considering that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, dental implant suitability assurance would be followed by careful treatment planning.

This stage requires close working cooperation with your dentist to establish a detailed plan that is tailored according to your oral health. Some factors involved in this step include the number of implants necessary, the type of restoration of preference (crown, bridge, and/or denture), and the entire time course of the treatment. Communication at this step is an essential factor because the dentist must address all questions the patient may have, while simultaneously ensuring that the expectations of the patient are aligned with the treatment. Step 3: Placement of the Implant

Now, the dentist is going to insert an implant. This is a procedure carried out in phases.

The patient is not exposed to pain and receives a local anesthesia; the patient can sit or lie down for the whole duration of the session. A very small opening carefully made by the dentist on the gum tissue in order to reach the jawbone. Very carefully, to a minute degree, a small hole is dug in that bone; this hole provides a firm space to place the implant into. The implant itself, usually made from biocompatible titanium, is then carefully positioned within the prepared site. It forms a base for your future restoration.

Step 4: Osseointegration

Now, following the placement of an implant, osseointegration is truly a wondrous biological process. It is the embedding of the implant within the jawbone over a few months until it becomes a strong and firm support for the prosthesis. You would have to follow the suggestions made for you by your dentist following the surgery. Suggestions might vary from the intake of soft diets, oral medicines that would curb infection, and oral hygiene practices to promote healing and proper osseointegration.

Step 5: Mounting of the Abutment

Once this is confirmed, the time to position the abutment has now arisen. This is a small connector attached to the implant. The dentist is now leaving the gum open to allow exposure to the implant. Once exposure is made, the dentist anchors the abutment onto the implant with strong affixation. This provides a basis for the final restoration. The abutment lets the prosthetic tooth or teeth attach correctly at the base.

Step 6: Final Restoration

With the abutment now in position, the dentist has a foundation upon which to design an individually tailored prosthetic restoration that will interface well with the remaining natural dentition. Impressions may be taken of your teeth to allow a dental laboratory to build, to the highest precision possible, a replacement to match your own unique smile. The final restoration can be a crown, bridge, or even a full set of dentures, and much consideration goes into it regarding aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.

Step 7: Prosthesis Positioning

And now, finally, after all this, it comes to the moment you’ll be wanting to see-the moment when, with your dentist’s expert hands, the prosthesis, made exclusively for you, will be attached onto the abutment; he will precisely check its fit, also checking the function and aesthetics to

Your new restoration will be aesthetically integrated with your remaining natural teeth. Adjustments, when necessary, are made to achieve the most comfortable and functional state. The skills and care of your dentist at this point ensure you are able to obtain a new restoration that will feel and function like a natural tooth, enhancing your smile and self-confidence.

Step 8: Follow-up

Congratulations! You have just finished a placement of dental implants procedure. That is not where the journey ends, though. The real adventure is about to begin. Post-operative care will determine how long-lasting your dental implants are. Your dentist will provide you with specific post-operative instructions for your case, but meantime, here are some general things to keep in mind:

Or perhaps for better oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush the implant site gently in circular motions. You should floss every day and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the gums and your implant site healthy.

1. Regular Dental Visits:

Visit regularly and get professional cleanings by your dentist. This check-up gives your dentist the opportunity to monitor the health of your dental implants so that they can detect any concerning or complicating problems in time and offer proper cleanings to assist oral health.

2. Bad Habits Avoid Bad Habits: Various bad habits, such as smoking and alcohol abuse that interfere with the healing process and can complicate it. Smoking and alcohol abuse are not good for general health, but also for the long term survival of a dental implant.

3. They will protect your teeth: If you practice contact sports or some recreation that puts you at risk of dental trauma, you must consider using a mouthguard to protect your teeth, especially your dental implant restoration.

You will enjoy your dental implants if you take care of them through these recommendations and regular dental care.

This is an interesting journey that the procedure of an implant takes, because here it is combined with meticulous planning with skilled surgical techniques and some artistic work of restorative procedures.

Knowing the step-by-step process and seeing what you’re going to go through can make approaching dental implant treatment much less intimidating and even more appreciative of your oral professional’s expertise. Remember, dental implants are a reliable and lasting solution for missing teeth and both your smile and oral functionality. Seek out a qualified dental implant specialist to get you started on your own personal journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.

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