Treatment Procedure

1: The first step of dental implant therapy is a discussion with your dentist, followed by a thorough dental examination. The jaw is x-rayed to check the condition of the bone tissue and to determine the appropriate placement of the dental implant. An impression is made of the jaw and existing teeth, forming an important platform for the treatment.

2: Depending on your clinical situation, there are two options for implant placement procedure:
In a single-surgery procedure, the dental implant is placed and then a temporary abutment is attached.
For patients who require two surgeries, the dental implant is inserted and then covered by the gum tissue. The site is left to heal and an abutment is attached during a second procedure.
In some cases, the crown can be attached the same day the implant is placed.

3: Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone tissues, the final (or permanent) abutment is placed by your restoring dentist, and an impression is taken from which a dental technician will create a crown, bridge, or full denture that will match your natural tooth in shape and color.

4: When the replacement tooth is ready, your dentist will simply attach it to the dental implant. Routine, follow-up visits are recommended to ensure the long-term functionality and esthetics of the treatment outcome.

Reprinted with permission from American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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