Implant Placement

If you are considering having dental implants added to your mouth, you are likely wondering how, exactly, they are placed. This is a delicate process that requires considerable precision.

Here is a look at the details of dental implant placement.

An Overview of Dental Implant Placement

The purpose of placing dental implants is to replace one or several teeth and provide abutments for partial/full dentures. A process known as osseointegration is necessary for dental implants to succeed. This refers to the insertion of diminutive posts to allow for a connection between the actual bone and the implant material. This process is essential for long-term dental implant success.

The Ways in Which Dental Implants are Placed

There are three approaches to the placement of dental implants. The standard placement is comprised of three stages. There is also a two-stage placement that does not require a subsequent surgery. Immediately loaded implants empower a patient to enjoy new teeth on the same day of the procedure. Your dentist will consider an array of factors when helping you determine the dental implant procedure that is ideal for your unique oral health needs. In general, most patients find the standard placement's three stages for dental implant placement is optimal.

The First Stage

The initial stage of the standard three stage placement requires the surgeon to make minor incisions along the upper portion of the gum line to expose the patient's jaw bone. The surgeon uses a drill to form diminutive holes within the bone before placing the implants that are subsequently covered with protective screw caps. The gums are sutured across the implants. The patient is provided with a temporary prosthesis that is to be worn until the new teeth are put in position. This stage typically takes between one and a couple hours to complete. In some instances, the patient is provided with IV sedation or a general anesthetic for pain reduction.

The Second Stage

The second stage of dental implant placement involves abutments and the crown preparation. This surgery occurs after ample time has passed to permit the implants to osseointegrate (take root) within the jaw bone. This typically occurs about four to five months following the initial placement. Minor incisions are required to expose the implants so the abutments can be attached and tightened. An abutment is the piece used to attach the crown and the implant.The gums are then sutured closed. Sutures are removed about a week later. The preparation of crowns mandates new molds of the mouth and gums. These molds must be taken following the placement of the implants. These impressions allow for the creation of a metal framework that holds the new teeth.

The Restoration

The third stage of dental implants is the restoration of the new teeth and a connection to the abutments. Fabrication takes between 1-8 weeks. The teeth are properly fitted to the abutments and adjusted to ensure the patient's bite alignment is optimal. The dentist also ensures the patient's dental implants look natural.