A Patient's Guide to the Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants can replace missing, decayed, or damaged teeth. A dental implant is a complete replacement for the tooth, including the root. It is anchored in the jaw for fully functional support. 

If you’re planning to get dental implants or you’re considering the possibility, the patient’s guide to the dental implant procedure will tell you everything you need to know to be prepared. 

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

A dental implant consists of 3 parts:

1. Implant. The implant portion is made of titanium and shaped like a screw with threads to help it fuse with the jaw bone. It is surgically placed in the jaw to act as an anchor for the dental prosthetic. 
2. Abutment. The abutment is the titanium post that attaches the prosthetic to the implant. 
3. Prosthetic. The dental prosthetic is a crown, bridge, or dentures that replace the visible portion of the tooth/teeth. Dental prosthetics are most often made of porcelain because it resembles natural tooth enamel. 

Types of Dental Implants

There are a few different types of dental implant restorations: 

• Single tooth replacement. When a single tooth needs to be replaced, one dental implant can be placed in the socket with a crown attached. 
• Implant supported bridges and partial dentures. When multiple teeth need to be replaced, implant supported bridges and dentures provide a secure restoration that doesn’t rely on the healthy teeth for support, preventing unnecessary damage.
• Implant supported full arch dentures. When all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch need to be replaced, implant supported full arch dentures can be supported by 4-6 dental implants. 
• Same day dental implants. For qualified patients, dental implants may be placed in as little as one appointment. 

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

To be an ideal candidate for dental implants it is necessary for the bone structure of your jaw to be wide enough and strong enough to support one or more implants. What commonly happens if a tooth has been missing for a while, is that the jaw bone will have weakened over time and resorbed, or dissolved. If this is the case, you may not be ready for dental implants without some preparation first. 

Preparing for Dental Implants 

Bone grafting is a procedure used to strengthen and widen the jaw bone so that it can support dental implants. This involves the placement of a bone fragment on top of the existing bone, which encourages regeneration of lost bone tissue. After a few months the jaw should be ready to receive dental implants. 

Dental Implant Placement 

The process for placing a dental implant is usually done in 3 steps: 

• Placement of the dental implant. The first step is always the surgical placement of the dental implant in the jaw bone. 
• Adding the abutment. The next step is to add the abutment to the dental implant. In most patients, this step is completed at the same appointment as the dental implant placement. 
• Attaching the prosthetic. The final step is to attach the dental prosthetic to the abutment to complete the restoration. 

The time frame of the procedure will vary based on the type of dental implants you are receiving. In traditional implant placement, after the dental implant is placed, we typically wait 4-6 months for the healing process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What type of anesthesia is used for dental implant placement? 

In many cases local anesthesia is sufficient to ensure your comfort during the dental implant placement procedure. In certain cases additional sedation may be used, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia. 

How long does it take to get dental implants? 

The length of the procedure itself and the entire process may vary depending on your situation. In some cases it can take a few months to a year to get a complete dental implant restoration. In other cases it can be done in a single appointment. 

Why Choose Davis Oral Surgery & Implant Center? 

Oral surgeons specialize in dental implant placement. As a surgical procedure, the placement of dental implants requires precision and accuracy for a successful outcome. Davis Oral Surgery & Implant Center has the experience and technology needed to properly place your dental implants for a natural looking and functioning restoration that can last a lifetime. 

To learn more, call 530-297-7000 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.