It’s the day of your dental implant surgery, and you can’t wait for the magical moment when you’re handed a mirror so you can see a row of pearly whites – instead of missing gaps in your teeth. While you’re thrilled with the results, you’re curious as to what exactly happened during your dental implant procedure.
What’s involved with the process of this extreme mouth makeover? Here are the five steps:
Step #1: To ensure you are comfortable and relaxed through every stage of the dental implant treatment, you will be lightly sedated and given a local anesthetic that numbs the surgical area.
Step #2: Your oral surgeon will place a tooth root implant, a small post made of titanium, into the bone socket of your missing tooth. As your jawbone heals, the implant will fuse with your jawbone, a process that takes from six to 12 weeks.
Step #3: Once the implanted metal post is anchored securely in your jaw, your oral surgeon will attach a small connector post called an abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line.
Step #4: To make the replacement tooth, called a crown, your restorative dentist will make impressions of your teeth, create a model of your bite and create a new tooth or teeth based on this model. The crown is then attached to the abutment.
Step #5: And now, the magical moment: You’re handed a mirror so you can admire your brand-new smile, with replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like your own natural teeth. With proper care, your new teeth can last a lifetime – making the cost of dental implants a worthwhile investment in your oral health.