The five stages of the dental implants treatment

• Consultation. The first step is an initial consultation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. The team will conduct a comprehensive dental exam, including dental X-rays and the creation of a perfect model of your teeth and jaw. We’ll also review your medical history, including any medications you’re taking and any pre-existing conditions, such as heart problems or orthopedic implants. A key part of this assessment is checking the health of your jawbone, as you’ll need adequate bone density and be free of periodontal disease to be eligible for the surgery.
• Preliminary treatment. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough for an implant, a bone graft may be necessary first. After the grafting procedure, you’ll need recovery time to allow the jawbone to strengthen, which can take three to nine months. If a damaged tooth requires removal, it is often possible to do this during the same procedure as the implant, avoiding additional recovery time.
• Implant body placement. When you’re ready for surgery, our dentist creates an incision in the gums and then drills a small hole into the jaw to insert the implant body. This small, cylindrical piece acts as an artificial root. Over the next three to six months, your jawbone grows around and fuses with the implant through a process called osseointegration, creating a sturdy foundation for your new tooth.
• Abutment placement. Once the implant has been successfully fused with your jawbone, we attach the abutment—the connector piece that holds your new tooth in place. This step involves a minor procedure where our dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the implant. The abutment is then secured to the implant body and will sit slightly above the gum line. Your gums will need about 10 to 14 days to heal around the abutment before we can move on to the final step.
• Attaching the dental crown. Once the gum tissues have fully healed, we can place the dental crown. This is the part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth and is the only part that will be visible. For detachable implants, a metal mount is cemented to the abutment, and the crown snaps into place. For permanent implants, the crown is cemented or screwed directly onto the abutment.

If you are missing one or more teeth and are looking to restore your smile, dental implants may be the solution. Ready to learn more or have questions about the cost for dental implants or the aftercare? Connect with Dr. Ken Poznikoff and his associates at Riverside Dental Clinic. Call (833) 575-1855 to schedule a visit at our office, conveniently located at 180 Riverside Drive East.