The process of placing dental implants begins with a screening appointment. It is during this dental visit that the structure of your jaw, mouth, head and neck are examined. A Panographic X-ray will probably be taken of your entire mouth to determine if the volume of the bone structure is sufficient to maintain an implant. Sometimes blood tests will be ordered to make sure your healing will not be compromised.
In the meantime, the dentist will evaluate the way your teeth meet when chewing, as well as the existing jaw and teeth structure. Models of the mouth probably will be made using a soft, pliantm, plastic compound.
After the number, type and location of the dental implants are determined, the surgical phase of the treatment can begin.
Implants usually require two surgical procedures if a cosmetic dentist is performing the surgery. These most likely will be performed in the dentist's office using a local anesthetic and sedative.
The first surgery is to place the implant. The gum covering the spot where the implant is to be placed is lifted back. A series of burs are used to drill a hole in the jawbone. The implant - a post made of a titanium alloy - is threaded into the hole like a screw. To maintain bone integrity, bone grafts or membranes may be used. Afterward, the gum is replaced and sutured into its original position, covering the implant completely.
The time required for the bone to grow into the surface irregularities of the titanium post (called osseointegration) is three to four months for lower jaw implants and six to nine months for those in the upper jaw. Patients wear temporary bridges while the bone heals.
While the bone is adhering to the titanium posts, impressions of your mouth will be taken and individual teeth or multi-tooth segments will be fashioned.
Once the jaw is healed, you will undergo a second surgical procedure. This time, the overlying gum will be removed to expose the implants underneath. The permanent porcelain bridges or individual teeth are then either screwed or cemented onto the titanium posts. It might take some time to get it just right; the bite must be well adjusted to distribute pressure evenly.
Finally, since your gums won't cling to artificial teeth as tightly as natural teeth, some dentists recommend additional surgery to make your gum line look more normal.
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