The Dental Implant Treatment Process

In the early 1950's, the Swedish scientist Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that titanium was able to bond with bone and thus began the implants we now know today. Professor Branemark's first dental implants were placed over 30 years ago, and they continue to function perfectly even today.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of patients around the world have successfully used the Branemark System® for tooth replacement. This system is comprised of a few steps divided into two phases: implant replacement, and the restorative phases.

Step 1: Evaluation

The dentist performs a complete examination involving x-rays to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Each patient's needs are handled individually.

It is important to note that in some cases a patient's jawbone may require a period of healing before implant treatment can begin (when bone graft is indicated). However, if you have no teeth of your own, preparatory treatment may be unnecessary.

Step 2: Implant Placement

During this step, the dentist essentially creates a new root for the tooth by fitting a small, titanium screw-like implant into your jawbone. This implant placement takes about 2-3 hours, and is usually conducted while the patient is under ordinary local or general anesthesia. Typically, the patient does not experience any major discomfort as a result of the surgery.

For cases where only one tooth is missing, a single implant may be placed. By comparison, if five or more of the implants are needed, a totally edentulous jaw may be used as well, but this may vary by case.

Step 3: Osseointegration Period

Dubbed by Professor Branemark as the osseointegration process, the titanium screws are permitted to bond with one's jawbone. When an implant osseointegrates, it often becomes completely integrated into your jawbone. This bond between titanium and bone is oftentimes stronger than with an original tooth root.

If you have some of your own teeth remaining, you may be able to wear a temporary bridge during this period, in which case you can still continue wearing your existing bridge or denture as before.

In most cases, osseointegration occurs within three to six months, depending upon whether this involves the upper or lower jaw.

Step 4: Connecting the Abutment

The doctor next attaches extensions, known as abutments, to the implants already in place. These abutments allow for the finished bridge to be attached through the gums.

Step 5: Prosthetic Work

After the abutment connection has been complete, and your provisional theeth have been worn for a period of four months. During a series of followup visits, you and your dentist will make decisions about the final appeareance of your teeth. Once these new teeth have met all the necessary requirements for both you and the dentist, they are configured and placed in your mouth.

After The Procedure

Once completed, the new implant(s) will look, work and feel just like they are a natural part of you.

As with any individual's natural teeth, dental implants require ongoing, routine dental care - including daily care, such as brushing, etc. Patients also should have their implants checked on a regular basis by their dentist.