Implant Procedure at Udental Clinic
The entire implant process can take several months from start to finish, most of which involves waiting for osseointegration—when the jawbone grows and fuses around the implant surface. Depending on the specific case, additional procedures such as bone grafting or connective tissue grafts may be necessary, while some steps can be combined into a single stage.
Stage 1: Preparation
- A Conebeam CT scan is required to plan the implant placement and restoration.
- The dentist will provide instructions for pre-surgery preparation:
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Chlorhexidine.
- Take prescribed antibiotics for a few days before the surgery to prevent infection.
- If the procedure is done under local anesthesia, have breakfast before your appointment. If undergoing general anesthesia, refrain from eating or drinking after the previous evening’s meal until the surgery.
- If opting for general anesthesia or sedation, arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you, as you will not be able to drive yourself home afterward.
Stage 2: Surgery
Step 1: Extraction of Damaged Tooth
- If the tooth is already missing, this step can be skipped.
Step 2: Bone Grafting (if required)
- If the bone is not thick enough, bone grafting is necessary before implant placement. During use, chewing forces exert pressure on the bone tissue. If the bone cannot adequately support the implant, the treatment may fail. Bone grafting helps create a stronger foundation for the implant.
- After bone grafting, several months are required for the new bone to form and become strong enough to support the implant.
- In cases where only a simple bone graft is needed, the grafting and implant placement may be done in a single appointment. The waiting period for each case depends on the condition of the bone.
Step 3: Implant Placement
- The dentist will use specialized tools to create a hole in the bone that matches the size of the implant. The implant is then carefully placed into this prepared site and sealed to allow for healing.
- At this stage, there will be no visible changes at the site of the missing tooth, as the implant is buried within the bone and not visible in the mouth. Temporary dentures can be used to restore aesthetic function during this period.
- After the surgery, the following symptoms may occur but will gradually subside within a few days to a week:
- Bruising on the skin and gums.
- Pain in the surgical area.
- Minor bleeding.
Step 4: Osseointegration and Healing
- After the implant is placed into the bone, the surrounding bone will regenerate and integrate with the surface of the implant. This process, called osseointegration, can take several months and helps to firmly anchor the implant within the bone.
Stage 3: Restoration
Step 1: Placement of the Healing Abutment
After osseointegration is complete, the restoration phase begins. At this stage, the dentist will locally anesthetize the area around the implant and place a healing abutment:
- The gum is opened to expose the implant.
- The healing abutment is attached to the implant.
- The gum is closed around the abutment, leaving it uncovered.
The gum tissue needs approximately two weeks to heal and prepare for the placement of the prosthetic tooth.
Step 2: Prosthetic Restoration
Once the gum tissue has healed, an impression is taken to prepare the prosthetic tooth. The restoration can be a fixed crown/bridge or a removable denture:
- Fixed Prosthesis: A dental crown or bridge is permanently attached to the abutment using cement or screws.
- Removable Denture: The denture resembles traditional ones but includes attachments that connect to the implant. It is securely fastened to the implant abutments and can be detached with some effort for cleaning or maintenance.
After completing the restoration, there will be several follow-up appointments for our dentist to check and maintain the implant. These visits ensure that the implant and the prosthetic restoration achieve optimal results.
Dental implant cases made at Udental Clinic
