Dental Implant Process

During surgery to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it’s implanted deep into the bone.

Your dentist first does a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your jawbone and the best dental implant procedure. This initial evaluation includes X-rays, taking impressions and matching the color of your teeth to make your implant look as natural as possible.

Once your implant is stable enough, the dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant which connects the implant to your crown. This is a painless process which requires a little anesthesia. The abutment is tightened so it stays in place when you eat. The dentist will add a healing cap to keep the tissue and bone from growing overtop of the abutment.

If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will remove it before the dental work is performed. You can do this at the same time as the implant insertion. After your gums heal, your dentist will make your artificial tooth or crown whereby you can choose to have a removable implant or permanent. If you are having multiple teeth in the back just like removable dentures, you may want the removable option so you can clean and replace if needed. There are two types of dental implants : one where the implant is inserted into your jawbone and the other that goes directly under the gumline. Your jaw needs to be strong and you need your bone to be strong to protect that implant.