Dental implants are a solution when there are missing teeth. The solution is more durable than any of the existing teeth replacement procedures such as bridges or dentures. The procedure is complex and involves several steps. In some cases, bone grafts are also needed prior to the actual dental implantation.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before the surgery, the dentist will have to establish if the implants have a solid base to be placed on (if there is enough bone in the gums). If the existing bone is not sufficient, bone grafting will be necessary.
The dentist will also require an orthopantomograph (OPT), which will give a full encounter of the position of the nerves, sinuses and other important data that can help the surgeon perform the dental implant.
Stages of the Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure will require several appointments:
- Insertion of the titanium screw
- Placing the abutments
- Getting the right color for the crowns and taking a mold after the teeth
- Placing the crowns
Typically, there will be need for a waiting period of three to six months between the first and the second appointment.
The Insertion of the Titanium Screw
The insertion of the titanium screw will be made under local anesthesia. This will involve cutting the gum with a sharp scalpel, so that a hole can be made into the bone. The hole is drilled using a rotating device. The titanium implant will be screwed into the bone.
The gum will be stitched and the screw will have to be left for three to six months to be fully integrated into the structure of the bones (oseointegration). Periodical OPTs may be needed to monitor the oseointegration.
Placing Abutments
The following stage of the dental implants will be performed three to six months after the insertion of the screws. The abutments are placed on top of the screws and these will be the support of the crowns. A small incision will be needed, so that the dental surgeon can place the abutments on the titanium screws.
Color Matching for Crowns
The color matching for the crowns may be performed at the same time with placing the abutments; some dentists will prefer to do this in a separate appointment. The dental surgeon or the technician will establish the color of your teeth to be able to manufacture the crowns. A mold after your teeth will also be taken, so that the shape and size of the crowns can be established.
Placing the Crowns
Once the crowns are ready, these will be placed on top of the abutments. You will have to make sure that the crowns are comfortable. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment.
In some cases, the entire dental implant procedure is performed in one session. The screw and the implant will be placed in the same session. However, this is not recommended, as the screw requires time to be integrated and there may be complications.
