After a dental implant is placed, the jaw will start to grow around it, making it part of the natural gum line. This process can take anywhere from three to nine months. Once the implant is stable enough, the dentist will place an abutment on top of it. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary at the site of the missing tooth, especially if it has been absent for a while.
Bone grafts usually need four months of healing before the implant can be placed. This waiting period is known as osseointegration. Once several months have elapsed, the implant will be integrated into the jaw and provide support to the false tooth. The entire process takes three to six months and is essential for ensuring the success of long-term implant treatment. To improve the amount of healthy bone at the implant site, your dentist may recommend bone grafting.
In most cases, a graft is placed at the time the tooth to be replaced is removed in order to preserve the site for the next implant. During this time, your dentist will ask you about your medical history and check your teeth and mouth to make sure you are a good candidate for implantation. Patients have reported that getting dental implants can be much less painful than extracting a tooth or undergoing endodontic treatment. To place the implant in the gums, your dentist will cut through them to expose the jaw and then drill a hole in the bone so that the implant can be inserted. Your dentist will then take an X-ray of the bone to make sure the implant is in the right place before closing up your gums with stitches. After treatment, it's important to practice good oral hygiene every day for optimal health of your implants.
Unlike dentures, which can slip through your mouth, dental implants are placed directly in your jaw. If you're interested in getting dental implants, talk to your dentist about what to expect during each step of the procedure. During your last appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, place an abutment on top of your dental implant, and then place a permanent crown. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, implants are as close as you can get to having natural, healthy teeth.
