What to expect during a dental implant procedure?

1. First evaluation – Before the procedure, the doctor will take x-rays of your mouth to examine your jawbone. The doctor will study the jaw structure, its strength, and the positioning of the rest of your teeth. You will also need to share your health history so our team can determine if you can safely receive a dental implant. During this time, the doctor will also see if you need to undergo other preparatory procedures such as a sinus lift or bone graft.
2. Placement of Implant – Before surgery, you will be put under local anesthesia, sedative and or nitrous. The doctor will make small cuts on your gums and insert small titanium screws into those incisions. Then, your gums will be stitched closed around the screws. It takes around 3-6 months for your gums to heal and during this time, a process called osseointegration (the fusing of the jaw bone with the implant) takes place. After your gums have fully healed, the doctor will reopen the incisions and insert a metal piece called an abutment. The gums will be stitched up with the abutment exposed and a temporary crown will be attached to the abutment while the gums heal.
3. Placement of crown or denture – The last step is the placement of the crown (for single implants), bridge (for multiple missing teeth), or dentures.