Choosing to replace your teeth with dental implants is exciting. The result is a custom-set of new teeth that will look, feel and function like real teeth. However, the process may seem overwhelming to some. A lot of planning and many steps create the best dental implant process.
Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer are dental implant dentists in Columbia, SC. Below, they break down the entire dental implant process.
Step by Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process will take several months and several trips to our Columbia, SC dental office to complete. For some patients, it can even take over a year before they get their new teeth.
Every patient who receives an implant supported restoration will first undergo a dental exam. Our dentist will also review their medical history and take x-rays. Before the dental implant treatment will even start, your dentist will have a well-planned treatment plan mapped out. Good candidates for dental implants can begin almost immediately.
Tooth Extractions
We begin a tooth extraction by numbing your moth with local anesthesia. Then we remove your damaged or diseased teeth. Years of neglect can leave your teeth damaged beyond repair. If you have any of these, we will need to remove them first to prepare your mouth for the next steps.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants require a healthy amount of bone to support them. Some patients might have a jaw bone that is too soft or not thick enough. The surgery will likely fail if there is not enough bone to support the implants long-term. However, a bone grafting procedure can repair bone loss in the jaw where it is lacking.
Your dentist can use several different materials, including natural or synthetic. Recovery time will depend on each patient’s unique case and oral health. For some, it may take several months for the transplanted bone to grow new bone. However, not everyone will need a bone grafting procedure.
Placement of Implant Fixtures
Placing implant fixtures requires a surgical procedure. Your dentist will need to make an incision on the gums to access the bone. Then the oral surgeon will drill small holes in the jaw bone where the implant fixtures will permanently go.
The implant fixture post will go deep into the bone to act as a tooth root. When all the implant posts are in place, the dentist will close up your gums. You may receive a temporary restoration depending on where your teeth are missing. The dental implant placement surgery usually lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Healing and Bone/Implant Fusing
For the next several months, you will protect your surgical site to help it heal. At this time, the surrounding jaw bone will fuse to the dental implants. Once the implants fully fuse to the bone, they will serve as the missing teeth roots. They will provide a sturdy base for the new dental restoration.
Placement of the Abutment
The next step is to place an abutment on the implants. The type you need will depend on the type of dental restoration you are attaching to the implants. Your dentist will uncover the implants and secure the abutments. You will need several more weeks of recovery time.
Attaching the Final Dental Restoration
The last step in the implant process is to secure the final dental restoration. Your last appointment will consist of you trying on your new teeth to ensure fit, look, and function. When everything looks good, we will permanently secure the restoration to the implants. The restoration can be a dental crown, implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported denture.
You will leave our Columbia, SC, dental office with new teeth and a fresh smile. To learn more about our dental implant procedure and services, visit: