The Journey to a Restored Smile: Understanding the Dental Implant Process
Dr. Ale xander Matheson
Dr. Samantha Holder
Dr. Jillian Caldwell
Have you started hiding your incomplete smile, concealing missing teeth? You're not alone. According to the CDC, tooth loss can cause low self-esteem, difficulty speaking, poor diet, and lowered quality of life.
Even one missing tooth can change your daily functionality. Instead of struggling with an incomplete smile, consider getting dental implants.
What's involved in the dental implant process, step by step, and what are the benefits of dental implants? Read on to find out!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal, screw-like posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw to replace a lost or damaged tooth. The implant functions as an anchor. It will hold a crown or bridge, ensuring stability while restoring your smile.
Dental implants are ideal for patients who:
- Can't or don't want to wear dentures
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a healthy jawbone
- Don't have health conditions that affect bone healing
- Want to improve their speech
- Can commit to the process
- Have enough bone to secure the implant
- Have healthy oral tissues
Surgically placing the implant ensures it doesn't shift when you speak or eat. Instead, it will become a permanent part of your smile by replacing the lost tooth. This stability and longevity can improve your quality of life and overall health.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of dental implants in the US could soar to 23% by 2026. The procedure is gaining popularity since 90% of implants remain healthy and functional after 10 years.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: subperiosteal and endosteal.
Endosteal ("in the bone") implants are more common. They resemble small screws and are made using body-safe materials like titanium. This ensures your body won't reject the implant.
An oral surgeon will surgically place the implant deep within your jawbone to ensure stability. A single implant can maintain one or multiple teeth.
Subperiosteal ("on the bone") implants are placed over the jawbone. They're ideal for patients who don't have a healthy jawbone, which is required for surgery. Instead of placing the implant in the bone, it's placed under the gums, on top of the bone.
Consult your dentist to determine whether subperiosteal or endosteal dental implants are right for you. They'll help you make an informed decision based on your goals and oral health.
If you're missing multiple teeth, they may recommend all-on-four dental implants.
Duration
The duration of dental implant surgery can vary based on your unique needs. Factors that may impact the timeline include:
- If you need sinus augmentation or a bone graft
- The type of implant needed
- How many dental implants you need
- How long it takes for you to heal
Before reviewing these dental implant surgery stages, talk to your dentist. They can give you a more accurate timeline based on your oral health and needs. On average, the process can take between three and six months, though some patients need as long as nine months to a year.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Potential benefits of dental implants include:
- Restored cosmetic appearance
- Restored ability to chew
- Improved quality of life
- Keeps adjacent teeth stable
- Preserved gum and bone health
- Keeps the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
They're also durable. According to Healthline, complete dentures last an average of 10.1 years, dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years, and about 94% of dental implants last 15 years.
Dental Implant Process Step by Step
Understanding the dental implant surgery stages will help you manage your expectations. Here's what to expect from the process.
Initial Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with an implant dentist to determine if you're an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery. During this appointment, your dentist will review your medical and dental history. They'll complete a visual exam to determine if your jawbone is healthy enough to sustain an implant.
After the visual exam, your dentist may request X-rays to assess your bone density. If the dentist determines your jawbone is too thin or soft, they may recommend a bone graft first. However, you may be ineligible for surgery if:
- You're actively undergoing cancer treatment
- You have a metabolic bone disease
- You're a heavy smoker
- You suffer from a blood clotting disorder
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
Once your dentist determines you're an ideal candidate for the procedure, they'll develop a personalized treatment plan. Review the dental implant process step by step so you can have a detailed understanding of what the surgery entails beforehand.
Implant Placement
Talk to your oral surgeon to determine if you need a ride home after the procedure. Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under either:
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia
- Local anesthesia
To place an endosteal implant, the oral surgeon will cut into your gums to expose the jawbone underneath. They'll drill a hole into the jawbone to insert the implant post.
This process may take one to two hours. After this surgery, you may need three months to heal.
Healing and Osseointegration
"Combining with the bone," or osseointegration, takes two to six months. This healing process allows new bone to grow naturally around your dental implant, ensuring it stays stable among your natural teeth.
You may need to eat soft foods while the area heals. Follow your dentist's recovery instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
Placing the Abutment
After the surgical site heals, your dentist will place an abutment. This extender connects the dental implant to an artificial root.
Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to create a fixed or removable replacement. For a fixed tooth, the dentist will cement or screw the crown into place atop the abutment.
After this procedure, let your dentist know if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- An uneven or uncomfortable bite
- Lasting discomfort
Your new, artificial tooth should feel and function like a natural tooth. Talk to your dentist for care tips to ensure its longevity.
Discuss the Dental Implant Surgery Stages
Don't let a missing tooth affect your smile or quality of life. Instead, talk to your dentist about the dental implant process step by step. With treatment, you can restore your smile for years to come!
At Bellissimo Dentistry, we're committed to providing exceptional care with a personalized touch. Trust our technology-driven dental care and personalized treatments. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.
