If you’ve lost an adult tooth or had to get a tooth extracted, you should replace it with a dental implant. This procedure also includes a crown, which we’ll talk about later.

In many cases, you may have already received a ridge augmentation or sinus augmentation to build enough bone to anchor a dental implant. The bone graft has blended with your natural bone and hardened, and now you’re ready for your  tooth implant. Here’s how it works:

Your periodontist will begin by injecting local anesthetic around the area. He’ll then use a scalpel to make an incision on the top of your gums and flap them back to access the bone below.

Next, a small hole will be drilled into the top of your jawbone with a dental implant drill. Your periodontist will use a few drill sizes to carefully enlarge the hole little by little in order to properly and delicately place the implant securely into your bone. 

If your bone is real soft or if more bone needs to be grafted, then your implant will be buried or in other words, your gums will be stitched up over your implant essentially covering it. It will remain covered for approximately 6 months which at that time the implant will be uncovered and a healing abutment or post is placed. 

If your bone is considered strong or dense enough, then a healing abutment or in some cases a temporary abutment and crown is placed.

Please note: Depending on your situation, the insertion of a dental implant and attachment of an abutment may all be done in one office visit. Your dentist will advise you on the required treatment technique during your initial consultation for a dental implant. 

You’re now ready to have a dental crown/cap fitted for your dental implant. This should be done by your general dentist. The dental crown is what people actually see. It looks like a tooth. Once the crown is made, your general dentist will either screw or cement it onto your dental implant.

Although this procedure seems grueling, getting a dental implant and crown to replace a lost tooth is the best way to stabilize your surrounding teeth and bone tissue. It’s also a great way to gain your confidence back with your smile. A dental implant looks so natural that many people won’t even notice you have one, even you.

For any questions about your upcoming dental implant procedure or if you need to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 414-259-0660.