Implant Process:

• Consultation- this is where the doctor determines if you are a good candidate for implants. This is determined with the use of x-rays and oral examination. Collection of health history and any surgeries. Determine if extractions are needed before implant placement. One visit.
• Extraction- depending on the condition of the tooth or teeth an extraction might be needed. Can be done in combination with Bone grafting, alveoloplasty or separately.
• Bone Grafting- you might need pre-treatment surgeries like gone graft to restore your jawbone, a tooth extracted to make room for the implant restoration, or bone smoothing (alveoloplasty) to prepare for an implant. Depending on your oral health it could take anywhere from 3-12 months to fully recover from these treatments.
• Placement of Implants- can be placed 1-2 after your initial consultation; this is where the implant is placed directly into your gum and jawbone. This area will be cleaned and stitched shut to promote healing, and you will be sent home. Unless bone grafting is needed then implant placement is 3-4 months or longer depending on your case. Depending on your case, if you have enough bone an implant can be placed immediately after an extraction.
• Healing and recovery– It takes between 1-2 weeks for the initial healing process. Your implant must “Osseo integrate” with your jawbone. This means it fully bonds with the bone, becoming a natural part of your mouth. This process can take 3-6 months or longer, depending on your case.
• Building your Implant Restoration: During the recovery process – building your implant happens simultaneously while you recover from your implant placement. Once your doctor gives you clearance to have the restoration of your implant you’ll come visit your general dentist and possibly come in for a few follow up appointments during the healing process. As you mouth heals, impressions and images might be taken of your gums, teeth, and implant. This information will be used by the dental lab partner to build your implant restoration (crown).
• Getting your abutment placed- 1-2 weeks before your final appointment, you’ll need an abutment placed. The abutment is what your permanent implant restoration will attach to. This involves folding back the gum tissue, placing an abutment, and lacing a healing collar or temporary tooth on the abutment to keep the gums from healing around it.
• Implant Crown Placement,1-2 weeks after your abutment has been placed, you’ll come in for your final appointment with your general dentist. Your doctor will remove the healing collar or temporary tooth and check your permanent implant to ensure it fits. Then it will be bonded into place permanently, completing the procedure.

Amount of time from extraction to restoration of implant: 3 months

Implant Systems Used:

• Nobel
• Straumann
• Neodent