What are the steps to get a dental implant ?
Getting a dental implant typically involves several steps that may span over several months, depending on the individual case. Here are the general steps involved in getting a dental implant:
Initial consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified dental professional, such as a periodontist or an oral surgeon. During this consultation, the dentist will assess the patient’s oral health and determine whether they are a good candidate for dental implants.
Treatment planning: Once it’s determined that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, the dentist will create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and preferences. This may involve taking X-rays and impressions of the patient’s teeth and gums to ensure that the implant is placed in the optimal location.
Implant placement: The next step is to place the implant into the jawbone. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue and drilling a hole into the jawbone to create space for the implant. The implant is then placed into the hole and the gum tissue is closed with sutures.
Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, it will need time to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes several months, during which the patient will wear a temporary restoration.
Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is complete, the dentist will attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the implant and extends above the gum line.
Restoration placement: The final step is to place the restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, onto the abutment. The restoration is custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth in terms of size, shape, and color.
Follow-up care: After the implant is placed and the restoration is attached, the patient will need to maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend regular checkups with their dentist to ensure the implant and restoration are functioning properly.
Modern Smiles Dental Care
Burlington MA Dentist Sarita Malhotra, BDS, DMD, practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers to dental implants, crowns and bridges. Dr. Malhotra can now correct a wide variety of so-called permanent cosmetic dental problems, and can literally redesign your smile.