Phases of Dental Implant
Treatment

Pre-Implant Surgery

Sometimes, patients are medically healthy enough for dental implant placement, but preparatory surgeries need to be completed in order to pave the way for a successful dental implant placement. For example, severely damaged teeth may need to be removed to make room for the implant, or bone grafts may be necessary to support the alveolar ridge. Both of these procedures require healing time, but these steps can help to ensure that your implant will look great and feel comfortable.

Tooth Extractions

Teeth that are severely damaged cracked down to the root, or infected may need to be extracted instead of repaired. In these instances, Dr. Scharf may recommend removing the tooth and installing a dental implant in its place. Sometimes, dental implants can be placed into the socket where the tooth was in the same day, but other times the area may need to heal before the implant can be placed.

Bone Grafting

As soon as a tooth goes missing, the jaw bone starts to melt away or resorb. The resorption process occurs rapidly, with bone tissue losing as much as 25% of its height within the first year, and then four additional millimeters the year afterward. To bolster the area, bone grafting may be required to accommodate a dental implant. Bone grafting involves requires letting the area heal for at least four months.

Post Placement

As soon as the gum tissue and bone heal, the posts for your dental implants can be placed. These dental implant “roots” are made of titanium and placed directly into the bone tissue. To do this, your jaw is numbed with a local anesthetic, then a small hole is pre-drilled to make it easier to place the post. Finally, the post is put into place, and the gum tissue is closed around it.

After the post is in place, it needs time to integrate with the bone. This process can take as long as 4-6 months, depending on the original quality of the bone tissue. After the area has healed and the post is secure, the top of the post will be uncovered and an abutment will be attached to the post to hold the dental crown.

Final Crown Placement

Impressions will be taken of the exposed abutment and surrounding area so that Dr. Scharf can order a dental crown that will fit perfectly. The color of your existing teeth will be carefully matched, so your dental implant will blend right in. After the permanent crown comes in from the lab in a few weeks, you will be called back for a final appointment to have the crown placed. Because the underlying bone and gum tissue will be completely healed, your new dental implant will be ready to show off right after it is placed.