Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery can be performed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or prosthodontist. Before having the surgery done, a comprehensive examination will be given to determine if dental implants are the right option. This exam includes:

• Dental and medical history analysis
• X-rays
• CT scan - this allows the surgeon to determine bone density and jaw shape

If it is decided that there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the dental implant, the oral surgeon may perform a bone graft (bone can be taken from the implant site, other areas of the mouth, or from another area of the body such as the hip). This can be done at the same time as the implant surgery, or it can be performed beforehand. If the bone graft is done before, it will take approximately four to six months to heal before the implants can be placed in the jaw.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The surgical procedure used to insert dental implants is performed under local anesthetic. The surgeon begins by making an incision in the gums, exposing the bone, and drilling a hole into which the dental implant root will be placed. The implant root is then fitted into the hole and the gums are closed with stitches.

Once the dental implant root has been placed in the jaw, the bone will be given time to grow and fuse around it, a process known as osseointegration. For implants placed in the lower jaw, osseointegration takes approximately three months, and for those in the upper jaw, it takes approximately six months.

After the dental implant root has fused with the bone, the surgeon makes an incision in the gums to uncover it, and an extension (or abutment) is attached. This abutment will provide the foundation for the artificial tooth. If the surgeon used a one-stage implant system in which the abutment is already attached to the root, this step will not be necessary.

During the final step of dental implant surgery, the artificial tooth (also known as a crown) will be attached to the abutment. It is important to choose a dentist who has experience in the placement of dental implants. Find out how to choose an experienced restorative dentist.