What Does a Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The dental implant procedure can be modified and customized to meet the needs of just about every patient. Various stages of tooth loss, bone loss, health conditions, and cosmetic challenges can typically be addressed and overcome in the hands of a skilled periodontist.

For the average tooth implant candidate, the procedure is completed in phases, and involves both the cooperation of the patient as well as the expertise of the dentist.

The initial phase of the implant procedure will require a comprehensive clinical examination, a thorough medical history review, and digital x-ray imaging. This information will play an important role in selecting the size and number of dental implants that will be necessary. It will also provide a wealth of information about your unique anatomy, bone structure, nerve pathways, and the position of the neighboring teeth. A review of your medical history will indicate whether you are healthy enough to tolerate surgery.

Under local anesthesia (and sedation techniques, if necessary), a titanium implant post will be surgically implanted into the jaw bone. In time, the jaw bone will become fused or integrated with the implant post, forming a permanent and secure bond. When healing is complete, the implant post will serve as an extremely durable replacement tooth root.

Depending upon the periodontist’s recommendation, the healing period can take 3-6 months, or the dental implant can be immediately loaded with a replacement tooth or similar restoration.

The surgical portion of the procedure is minimally invasive, meaning that there is little disruption to the surrounding bone or gum tissue, and a speedy healing time can be expected. In fact, most patients find that they are able to resume comfortable eating and speaking on the same day as the initial surgery.

After the appropriate healing period, the top of the implant post will be fitted with a small connector called an abutment, and the final restoration can be attached. According to the number of teeth that are to be replaced, the final restoration can range from a single dental crown to a complete denture.

The final step of the procedure, eating and smiling with renewed confidence, can be expected to continue indefinitely. Contact the Dallas TX office of Dr. Brad Crump today to explore your tooth implant options.