Dental Implant Procedure

First Appointment
The first visit consists of a consultation. During this essential dental x-rays are obtained and the area where implants will be placed is evaluated to make sure that the quality of the bone is good and quantity of the surrounding bone is sufficient to support an implant.  A diagnostic impression is also taken.

Second Appointment

The implant is placed in the jaw bone and allowed to heal and incorporate with the surrounding bone. The time it takes for a dental implant to integrate with the hard tissues varies between 4-6 months.  Some of the main factors that can affect healing include the location of placement, general health of the patient, quality of bone , health of the surrounding area where implant is placed, type of dental implant used, and oral hygiene of the individual. All these factors can determine how fast and how well the implant will integrate.  After a dental implant is placed it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months before the final restoration is completed.  Implant placement is completed with just local anesthesia and the whole procedure is performed under sterile conditions.

Types of Dental Implants

In implant dentistry, the most popular form of dental implant is the root implant. This type of dental implant is very effective and mirrors the size and shape of a patient's natural tooth. 

Many times, this implant will be as strong structurally as the original tooth's root. Once the dentist applies the local anesthesia, he or she makes an incision in the gum in order to gain access to the jawbone. 

The bone is then prepared, and the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone with care and precision. 

Finally, the dentist stitches the gums and, if necessary, prescribes an appropriate medication. During the osseointegration step, which lasts anywhere from three to eight months, the jawbone firmly attaches itself to the dental implant. Once osseointegration is complete, the patient returns to the dental office, where the dental implant is fitted with the new tooth.