The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Getting dental implants takes some extra time and effort because you need time to heal between your first and final office visits. But the results are more than worth it.

After our expert team at TLN Family Dental finishes the work, you’ll have a new tooth (or teeth) that looks beautiful and is as strong and functional as your natural teeth. Here, we take a closer look at dental implants — including what to expect when you get them.

About dental implants

There are three parts to a dental implant:

Root replacement

Technically, the root replacement is the actual “implant” because we insert it into your jawbone. This artificial tooth root is typically made of titanium because it’s very compatible with the natural bone.

As new bone grows around the root replacement the two bond together, forming a strong anchor similar to the original tooth root.

Abutment

The abutment (usually made of titanium or zirconia) is a small piece that we attach to the top of the root replacement. This piece rises slightly above your gum line, where it supports the dental restoration.

Dental restoration

The final restoration may be a crown, bridge, or dentures. We place the appropriate number of  root replacements needed for the restoration — one for a crown, two for a bridge, and four or more for an overdenture.

Dental implant procedure

Here’s what to expect when you get dental implants:

1. Preparing the oral cavity

The first step in the smile restoration process is completing a comprehensive dental exam, taking digital X-rays, digital photographs, 3-D scans and discussing whether you are a good candidate for moving forward with dental implants.

Before placing implants we ensure you don’t have any dental problems that may affect the implant or increase the risk of infections. This includes:

• Treating damaged teeth
• Treating gum disease
• Repairing dental decay
• Ensuring you have adequate bone quality

Oftentimes additional bone is needed to improve your natural bone quality. In these cases we place bone grafting in those areas. This strengthens the bone by stimulating new bone growth.

After a graft, the bone must allow healing before we can place the root replacement. While healing typically takes a few months, this isn’t a variable we can predict with total accuracy. The amount of time needed to heal after root replacement depends on each individual's body. We’ll monitor your progress to determine when to take the next step.

2. Getting the implant

All of our surgeries are preplanned and simulated before the day of the procedure. We use all of the records taken at your initial appointment. From these records, preplanning, and simulation, oftentimes we will produce a surgical guide that guides the placement of your artificial root during surgery. 

When inserting the root replacement we make a small incision in the tissue, create a tiny starter hole in the jawbone, and carefully insert it into the bone. If you are getting multiple replacements they are done at this time. 

Depending on the quality of your bone, we may attach the abutment now or add it after the initial healing has occurred. We also have the capabilities of giving you temporary restorations while healing so that you do not go without teeth.

 3. Taking time to heal

You’ll need to wait while the new bone grows and bonds with the implant. Though everyone heals at a different pace, this part of the implant process usually takes two to six months. This also gives your gums plenty of time to heal. 

4. Taking records for the permanent restoration

After the gums and bone heal, you return to the office so we can take a new set of records of your healed implants.  We then partner with a dental laboratory to begin fabricating your new smile catering to all of your desires  and wishes.

5. Attaching the restorations

When your restorations are ready, we schedule the final office visit and attach your new smile to the root replacements. All that’s left is to enjoy your new smile.

While root replacements can last a lifetime they can loosen if you develop a gum infection or osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones). Your new teeth may last 15 years or longer, but like your original teeth, restorations can crack or chip. It is important to take good care of your replacements and come in on schedule for your routine dental check ups

Want to know more about implants?

Ready to find out how implants can transform your smile? We can help. Call your nearest TLN Family Dental office in Houston or Pearland, Texas, today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.