Dental implants are considered the premier option for tooth replacement. Composed of three main parts, dental implants consist of a titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown. The dental implant process can span several months. However, it will gift you with a lifetime of benefits that other restorative options simply cannot. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about the dental implant process.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure involves several steps and will take a couple of months to complete. Our Skokie, IL dentists are specialists in implant dentistry and are happy to walk you through what to expect every step of the way. Continue reading to learn about the general outline of the dental implant procedure.
The Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step in the dental implant procedure is a comprehensive examination by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your tooth replacement needs and goals.
Our doctors will evaluate the current condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to ensure they are healthy enough to support a dental implant. This evaluation may include X-rays or CT scans to evaluate bone density and ensure there is enough bone to support the implant.
Once your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for a dental implant, we will begin organizing your treatment plan.
Additional steps in the treatment planning process may include dental impressions, bone grafting, and tooth extractions. Your doctor will be able to provide a more accurate timeline specifically designed around you and your smile after your initial consultation.
The Surgical Procedure
Once your dentist deems you eligible for dental implants, the next step involves placing the implant into your jawbone during a surgical procedure. This is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
During the surgical procedure, the oral surgeon will make a small incision and insert the titanium post beneath your soft tissues. The post will be placed strategically. Once your mouth fully heals, the post will fuse together with your jawbone and give your dental restoration tooth-root functionality!
The implant will then need time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue, which can take several months. You should expect your healing time to be around 6-9 months. While this may seem like a long wait for your dental restoration, remember that as the post fuses together with your jawbone, it will give you a lifetime of benefits, including no dietary restrictions.
The surgeon will use anesthetic and sedation dentistry options to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the dental implant surgery. We will make sure that you do not experience pain or discomfort during your appointment. If you have dental anxiety about any part of the dental implant process, talk to your dentist to learn more about your sedation options.
The Abutment Placement
After sufficient healing has occurred, the dentist will attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment is the piece of hardware that will hold the implant post and the dental crown, the replacement tooth, or teeth together. This procedure is much less invasive than the initial surgical procedure and should only take a few weeks to heal. The abutment also consists of titanium or a similar metal alloy.
The Final Crown Placement
After the abutment has fully integrated, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth. He will send the impressions to a dental lab to create custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that will match your natural teeth in color and shape. Once we get the final prosthetic back from the lab, we will securely attach it to the abutments on your implants. Your dentist will ensure proper fit and function before completing this final step of the dental implant procedure.
Please contact our office, and our trained implant specialists will be happy to speak with you regarding the process of getting dental implants. To learn more about our quality implant dentistry, visit: