

When osseointegration is complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment - the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This process, which can take several months, helps provide a solid base for your new artificial tooth - just as roots do for your natural teeth. During this process, the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. Once the metal implant post is placed in your jawbone, osseointegration (oss-ee-oh-in-tuh-GRAY-shun) begins. You can remove this denture for cleaning and while you sleep.

A type of partial, temporary denture can be placed for appearance, if needed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it's implanted deep into the bone.Īt this point, you'll still have a gap where your tooth is missing. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. Placing the dental implantĭuring surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. The condition of your jawbone determines how you proceed. In some cases, you may need only minor bone grafting, which can be done at the same time as the implant surgery. It may take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. Talk to your doctor about options that will work best for you. Options may include a natural bone graft, such as from another location in your body, or a synthetic bone graft, such as bone-substitute material that can provide support structures for new bone growth. There are several bone graft materials that can be used to rebuild a jawbone. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant. That's because the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts great pressure on your bone, and if it can't support the implant, the surgery likely would fail. If your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. Your oral surgeon may need to transplant a small portion of bone - commonly from another site in the upper or lower jawbone - to give the dental implant a solid foundation. Depending on your situation, the specific procedure done or the materials used, certain steps can sometimes be combined.

Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. The entire process can take many months from start to finish. Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed.The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps, including:

What you can expectĭental implant surgery is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. If you're having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day. Your dental care team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. Talk to your dental specialist about which option is best for you. To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Tailored to your situation, this plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may have dental X-rays and 3D images taken, and have models made of your teeth and jaw. The planning process for dental implants may involve a variety of specialists, including a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist specializing in treating structures that support the teeth, such as gums and bones (periodontist), a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist), or occasionally an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.īecause dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a: Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities.Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin.Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels.Problems are rare, though, and when they do occur they're usually minor and easily treated. Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks.
