GUIDE TO IMPLANTS
Implants
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A dental implant is an artificial metal post that is inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. The implant is attached to an artificial tooth, called a “crown” which looks and functions like a real tooth. The titanium in the implant will fuse with your jawbone ensuring that the implant will remain stable and free from decay.
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Parts of an Implant
The whole implant process consists of three different parts.
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The Implant: The metal post that is placed in the upper or lower jawbone.
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The Abutment: It is screwed on to the implant and connects it to the crown of the tooth.
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The Restoration: The crown portion of the implant. This piece has the appearance of an actual tooth and is screwed or cemented to the abutment.
Bone Grafting
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One key requirement for an implant is that the bone in the jaw must be strong enough to support the implant. If there is a lack of strong bone, an additional procedure, called Bone Augmentation or Bone Grafting, must be completed where the implant is required. During this process, a piece of bone is removed from another part of your jaw (or body) and transplanted into your jawbone. If minor bone grafting is needed, it can be done at the same time as your implant surgery, however, if complex bone grafting is needed, it has to be completed prior to the implant surgery.
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Timing​
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The time frame for an implant depends on several different factors so it varies from patient to patient. Generally, the shortest time frame for an implant ranges from 5 to 6 months and includes surgery and crown placement. The process, however, can take longer especially when bone grafting is needed
The Implant Procedure
Consultation
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The first step will be a consultation appointment where the dentist will examine the mouth and take x-rays of the head, jaw, and teeth to ensure that an implant is feasible. Models of the teeth will be prepared and a written treatment plan will be created detailing the procedures and costs if not covered by your insurance provider.
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Implant Placement
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During the first stage of surgery, the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone beneath your gum tissue under local anesthesia. After the implant is secured the tissue is stitched back into place. This allows the implant to fuse with the jaw bone and attach to the gum. If the underlying bone is not able to support the implant, bone regeneration may be carried out along with the procedure.
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Integration Process
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The healing process for the first stage can take anywhere from six weeks to six months depending on the patient and on the complexity of the implant. The second stage will commence after the tissue heals.
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The Restorative Phase
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The second stage of the implant will be the attachment of the abutment to the implant. In some cases, the second stage can be done during the same visit as the first stage. If more than one tooth needs replacing, your dentist will suggest a bridge, which is a dental restoration that replaces an area of missing teeth. The bridge will be positioned in place by dental implants on either side of the missing teeth.
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After the Surgery
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Whether your surgery was completed in multiple stages or one, there are some minor side-effects to the procedure including
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Swelling of your gums and face
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Minor bleeding
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Pain & bruising at the implant site
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If any of the side-effects mentioned above continue to worsen in the days after the surgery, contact your dentist and antibiotics may be recommended.
After each of your surgeries, eating soft foods is suggested.
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Implant Maintenance & Care
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Like natural teeth, implants need to be kept clean through daily brushing and flossing. Damaging habits such as teeth grinding and chewing on hard items such as ice and candy should be avoided. Your dentist will speak to you about proper cleaning procedures, however regular check-ups with the dentist will ensure that the implants are stable and in good condition.
