Dental Implants: What the Process Involves

What is a dental implant?

An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It has three parts: a small post that sits in the jawbone, a connector called an abutment, and the visible tooth on top, usually a crown. Posts are most often made of titanium, which the body generally accepts well.

One implant can replace one tooth. Several implants can also support a bridge or a denture.

Who may be a candidate?

Your dentist looks at several things before recommending an implant:

• Healthy gums, with any gum disease treated first.
• Enough jawbone to hold the post.
• General health and any medications that can affect healing.
• Habits such as smoking, which can slow healing and affect how well an implant lasts.

What if there is not enough bone?

If the bone has thinned, a bone graft may be needed before or during implant treatment. A graft adds bone so the post has something firm to hold. Your dentist will explain whether you need one.

The stages of treatment

Every plan is different, and the timing varies from person to person. Most implant treatment follows these steps:

1. Consultation and exam. The dentist reviews your health, examines your mouth and takes images to check your teeth and bone.
2. Treatment plan. You go over the options, the steps, the number of visits and the likely costs.
3. Preparation. Some people need a tooth removed, gum treatment or a bone graft first.
4. Placing the implant. The post is placed in the jaw, usually with local anesthetic so the area is numb. Ask what sedation options are available if you feel anxious.
5. Healing. The bone grows around the post and holds it in place. This takes time, often several months.
6. Abutment and crown. Once the implant is stable, the connector and the new tooth are attached.
7. Follow-up. Check-ups make sure the implant and the gums around it stay healthy.

Recovery and aftercare

Some soreness, swelling or bruising can follow placement. Your dentist will tell you how to manage it and what to eat in the first days. Follow the written instructions you are given.

• Keep the area clean. Brush gently and clean around the implant as your dentist shows you.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can slow healing.
• Go to every follow-up visit.
• Call the clinic if pain gets worse, swelling grows, or the implant feels loose.

Once healed, an implant is cared for much like a natural tooth: daily brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular check-ups.

Implants compared with bridges and dentures

• Implant: replaces the tooth root and the tooth. It does not rely on the teeth beside it. It needs enough bone and a longer treatment time.
• Bridge: uses the teeth on either side of the gap to hold a replacement tooth. Treatment is usually shorter, but those teeth are shaped to hold the bridge.
• Dentures: removable teeth that replace several or all teeth. They avoid surgery, but may feel less stable than teeth held by implants.

No option is best for everyone. The right choice depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health and budget.

What affects the cost?

The total depends on your plan. Things that can change it include:

• How many teeth are being replaced.
• Whether you need a tooth removed, gum treatment or a bone graft first.
• The type of replacement: a single crown, a bridge or a denture held by implants.
• Whether sedation is used.

Ask for a written treatment plan so you can see each step.

Risks to know about

Implant treatment is a surgical procedure. As with any surgery, there are risks. They include infection, an implant that does not bond with the bone, and damage to nearby teeth, nerves or sinuses. Your dentist will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.