How Oral Implants Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
Missing teeth can affect both your confidence and oral health, making everyday tasks like eating and speaking more challenging. Thankfully, there is a natural-looking solution called oral implants. These implants are a long-term solution for everyone with a missing tooth or teeth.
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a strong and durable foundation for replacement teeth.
But how exactly does this process work? From the initial consultation to the final restoration, each step is designed to ensure a seamless and lasting result.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of getting dental implants, so you know what to expect and how they can restore your smile.
What are oral implants?
Oral or dental implants have revolutionized the way we approach tooth loss. They serve as tooth roots, crafted from materials such as zirconia or titanium. Surgically embedded into the jawbone, they create a durable and lasting foundation for replacement teeth.
These implants fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, making them a durable and long-term solution for missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, oral implants function just like natural teeth, allowing for improved chewing, speech, and overall oral health.
Parts of an implant
A dental implant consists of three main parts – implant post, abutment, and a prosthetic crown. The implant post is usually made of titanium or zirconia. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as the artificial root for the replacement tooth.
The abutment is a small connector that attaches to the implant fixture and serves as a link between the implant and the final crown, bridge, or denture. It ensures the restoration stays securely in place.
The prosthetic crown is the visible part of the implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, restoring your smile and bite function.
Now, that we have a clear picture of what oral implants are, we can move to explaining the step-by-step process of getting them.
- Initial consultation and preparation
The process of getting dental implants starts with a meeting with a dental professional. During this meeting, they will evaluate your overall oral health and assess factors such as jaw bone and gum health, bone density, and any underlying health conditions that might affect healing.
After that, the dental professional will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your dental needs. In some cases, imaging techniques like X-rays or 3D scans, such as Cone Beam CT, are used to get a detailed view of your jaw and plan the placement of the implants.
- Implant placement
Once all the preparation has been done and you’re deemed a good candidate, the next step is the surgical placement of the implant.
The process of implant placement involves numbing the area where the implant will be placed. A local anesthetic is used for this procedure, but if the patient is anxious, sedation is also an option.
Once the anesthetic starts working, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum and drill a small hole in the jawbone and place a titanium post (the implant) into the bone. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning it integrates well with bone tissue.
After the implant is placed, the gum tissue is sutured over it to begin the healing process. In some cases, a healing cap is placed over the implant to protect it during the healing process.
- Healing and osseointegration
After the implant is placed, the healing process begins. This phase, known as osseointegration, typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, the jaw bone will start gradually growing around the titanium post. This will securely fuse the post with the bone.
Keep in mind that this is a critical phase, as the success of the implant depends on the fusion of the bone and implant. That’s why it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to avoid complications during healing.
- Abutment placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, an additional procedure is needed to attach the abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that links the titanium post to the crown (the visible part of the tooth).
For this part, the surgeon will expose the top of the implant by gently reopening the gum tissue. The abutment is then screwed or placed onto the implant.
This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and is less invasive than the original implant placement.
- Crown placement
After the abutment procedure, a customized crown will be made to fit your mouth and match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a crown that fits perfectly. The crown is then attached to the abutment, completing the implant process.
Your new crown will function like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with ease.
- Post-placement care
Once the dental implant is fully in place, proper care is essential for the longevity of your new tooth. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your implant. For instance, they will tell you how to practice good oral hygiene. How to brush and floss regularly around the implant.
Then, you’ll be asked to attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of the implant and surrounding tissues. Additionally, you will be advised to avoid hard foods or habits (like grinding) that could damage the implant.
- Ongoing monitoring
Make sure you schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist. This will help ensure the implant remains functional and healthy. These check-ups allow your dentist to monitor for any signs of infection, bone loss, or implant failure.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer a permanent and durable solution to tooth loss. The procedure involves several steps, from initial consultation to final crown placement, with a focus on healing and integration to ensure success.
If you take proper care of your dental implants, they can last a really long time. This makes them a worthwhile investment in your oral health and confidence.
