A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are a popular way that many people choose to replace their severely damaged or missing teeth. While preserving the natural teeth is always ideal, sometimes it is just not possible. In those cases, dentists will try to find a solution that is safe, durable, and long-lasting…and dental implants check all the boxes! If your dentist has recommended dental implants as part of your dental treatment plan, read on to find out more about what they are, how long they take, and what the process of getting them looks like from start to finish.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is simply a metal post (usually titanium), placed into the jawbone as a substitute for the roots of a missing tooth. Once the dental implant is placed, it is topped with a dental crown, giving the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.

Average Timeline for Dental Implants

It is very difficult to say just how long it will take for a patient to get a dental implant, because there are many variables that affect the total timeline. For example, if the patient needs a bone graft to build up the jawbone before implant placement, months could be added to the estimated timeline to allow the bone graft to fully heal. Patients also heal at different rates, so steps in the process may take much longer for some patients than others. In the best case scenario, the patient can expect to have at least two dental visits about 3-6 months apart. However, most patients will require more visits and time.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process requires several steps:

Consultation

The consultation visit with the dentist is to discuss the dental implant procedure and determine if the patient is a good candidate. This involves explaining the benefits, risks, and process of the dental implant procedure, along with setting realistic expectations. The consultation is often done at the same time as the examination and diagnostics.

Examination & Diagnostics

The dentist will do a full oral examination, including diagnostic procedures such as x-rays. They will also review the patient’s full medical history. Once the dentist has a full picture of the patient’s status and health, they can definitively say if the patient is a good candidate for dental implants.

Extraction of Affected Tooth (if necessary)

If there is a tooth still in place at the implant site, it will need to be removed. Once removed, the patient will need to wait several weeks for the extraction site to fully heal before they can proceed with the dental implant process.

Bone Grafting (if necessary)

Some patients may also need a bone graft to build up the bone tissue in their jawbone. This improves the likelihood of that implant integrating into the jawbone successfully. The bone graft may take months to heal, significantly extending the total timeline.

Implant Placement

Once the implant site is fully prepared, the dentist will surgically open up the gums to expose the underlying jawbone. A very small yet deep hole is drilled into the jawbone and a metal post is inserted into the hole. After the implant placement, the dentist will sew the gum tissue back up around the post.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process of the metal post integrating into the bone tissue of the jawbone. This is a complex process that is only possible with certain post materials, which is why titanium is often used. Osseointegration can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to achieve, but must be done before the dental implant can be topped with a crown.

Abutment Placement (if necessary)

In certain cases, a separate piece called an abutment must be placed on top of the dental implant post. The abutment is where the crown will eventually attach. Abutment placement is usually done as an outpatient procedure, where the gums around the implant post are reopened to expose the post. The abutment is attached to the implant post, then the gums are sewn together around, but not covering, the abutment. The gums around the abutment must fully heal before the crown can be attached.

Crown Placement

Finally, once all other steps of the dental implant process are complete, the dental crown can be placed on top of the implant post. The crown usually requires two visits - one to take impressions of the mouth from which the crown will be molded, and another to actually place the crown. Once the crown is in place, the patient can use the tooth just as they would their own natural one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants permanent?

We would call dental implants semi-permanent - the implant post is permanent and shouldn’t need to be replaced for the rest of the patient’s life, but the dental crown on top will need to be replaced every 10-15 years or so, depending on use and care.

Do dental implants require special care?

No, a dental implant requires the same type and frequency of care as the natural teeth.

Dental Implants in the Northern Seattle Metro

Dental implants are a great option for patients who want to replace a damaged or missing tooth with a low-maintenance substitute. The timeline for receiving a dental implant can vary widely from patient to patient, as there are many steps and variables involved. However, once the dental implant process is complete, the patient will have a natural-looking, fully functional tooth that will last for years with proper care. Altitude Dental provides high-quality dental care for the entire family, working with our trusted partners to place the implants, and completing the process by placing implant-supported crowns.Schedule an appointment today by calling 425-775-3446 or requesting an appointment online.