Do You Know What To Expect During Your Dental Implant Procedure?

Posted on: 26 October 2021

While many patients are rather excited about the prospect of getting dental implants thanks to the many benefits that these implants provide, it is still quite common for these same individuals to experience a certain level of anxiety as the day of their scheduled procedure grows closer. Oftentimes this anxiety is due to the simple fact that the patient is not quite sure of what they should expect at each stage of the dental implant process. If you are currently experiencing a bit of anxiety yourself, taking the time to review this step-by-step walkthrough of the dental implant procedure can help to put your mind at ease.

Step 1: Take X-Rays And Molds

It is important to ensure that you have ample strength and thickness in your jawbone before undergoing a dental implant procedure. To verify this, your dentist will want to take x-rays of your entire mouth, even if you are having just a single tooth replaced with an implant. Your dentist will also need to take molds of your mouth in order to allow them to have a dental crown fabricated that will perfectly match the size and shape of your natural teeth. This step in the process is quick, easy, and completely painless.

Step 2: Perform Extractions And Complete Any Necessary Grafts

If you have teeth that need to be extracted or if you require bone grafts to improve the bone density in your jaw, these procedures will need to be completed prior to your implants being surgically placed. These procedures can typically be done in your dentist's office. Some dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon for this step in the process if you require the use of a general anesthetic. This is most commonly the case when dealing with whole mouth extractions. 

Step 3: Place Implants

Once your mouth has been adequately prepared by completing the steps above, your dentist will schedule an appointment to have your implants placed by an oral surgeon. Typically a general anesthetic will be used for this part of the procedure, so you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the office that day. 

Step 4: Allow For Healing

After your implants have been placed in your tooth sockets, you will need to allow time for the jawbone to heal around these implants. This process ends with your implants becoming part of your jawbone and providing the same level of strength and durability as a healthy, natural tooth root. This process can take several weeks or even several months depending upon the rate at which your body heals. Most dentists will provide temporary tooth replacement options such as dentures during this time. 

Step 5: Attach Dental Crowns

After your implants have successfully been anchored into your jawbone through the healing process, you will need to visit your dentist one last time to complete the dental implant procedure. During this final visit, a dental crown will be attached to the implant. This crown will permanently replace your missing tooth. 

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