Dental Implants

What conditions are treated with dental implants?

Dental implants treat tooth loss, which can happen due to:

• Cavities.
• Cracked teeth.
• Gum disease.
• Teeth that never develop (anodontia).
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).

How common are dental implants?

Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement. In the United States, dental providers place over 3 million implants each year.

What is the process of getting a dental implant?

Dental implant surgery is a personalized process. It’s not the same for everyone. But the following gives a general overview of what you can expect your dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist or prosthodontist to do:

• Place the implant surgically.
• Give you time to heal.
• Attach the post and final crown, bridge or denture.

Dental implant surgery

During dental implant surgery, your surgeon will:

• Give you anaesthesia. This medication will numb your gums. If you choose sedation, your provider will give you those medications, as well.
• Create an incision. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
• Prepare your jaw. Your surgeon will use a series of specialised instruments to create a small hole in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right size for your new dental implant.
• Place the dental implant. Next, your surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
• Close the incisions. Finally, your surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.

If your implant is near the front of your mouth, your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear until you heal. That way, you won’t have a gap in your smile while you recover. If your implant is near the back of your mouth, you probably won’t need a temporary tooth. Your provider can tell you what to expect in your situation.

Healing phase (osseointegration)

During the healing phase, your jawbone should fuse to the dental implant. This process, called osseointegration, is critical for stability and long-term success. This process can take anywhere from three to nine months. In some cases, it may take longer. It depends on how quickly your body heals.

Placement of abutment and final restoration

Once your implant heals, your dentist can attach the abutment (small connector post) and your final restoration (crown, bridge or denture). This usually takes about one hour to complete and may require a second minor surgery.

How painful is getting a dental implant?

You shouldn’t feel any pain during your dental implant procedure because your provider will use medication to numb your gums. After your surgery, it’s normal to have slight discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help ease these symptoms.