Reviewed by Dr. Benjamin Foley and Dr. Thao Le

Are you considering a dental implant procedure or scheduled for one? This informative guide will answer these questions:

  1. What are dental implants?
  2. What are the parts of a dental implant? 
  3. What is involved in dental implant surgery? 

We will provide a step-by-step explanation of the dental implant procedure so that you can feel prepared and informed before your appointment.

Table of Contents

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or zirconia that support a custom-made dental crown. The dental implant parts are designed to integrate with your jaw bone, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. 

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

The implant itself is made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia, while the tooth crown part is typically made from ceramic or porcelain, offering a natural-looking appearance.

Titanium vs Zirconia Dental Implants

Titanium implants are the most common and have been used successfully for decades. They are lightweight, strong, and fuse well with bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. 

Zirconia implants are relatively new but gaining popularity as some patients desire a metal-free option.

Key Takeaway

Dental implants provide a durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth, enhancing your self-esteem and oral health. The procedure is straight forward and has a high success rate, making it an ideal choice for many individuals. However, choosing the right surgeon and following post-operative care instructions are crucial for the long-term success of your dental implants.

Dental Implant Parts

A dental implant is composed of three parts:

  1. Implant: This is the screw-like post that serves as the artificial tooth root. It mimics a natural tooth’s root and provides stability for the crown.
  2. Abutment: The abutment connects to the implant and supports the dental crown. It acts as a connector between the implant and crown, ensuring a secure fit.
  3. Crown: This is the visible part of the dental implant and serves as a replacement tooth. It is custom-made to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color to provide the best possible aesthetics and chewing force.

Candidates for Dental Implants

Ideal candidates for dental implants include people with:

  • One or more missing teeth
  • A fully grown jaw bone
  • Adequate bone density
  • Healthy oral tissues
  • Good overall health
  • No uncontrolled chronic diseases

Your oral surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Foley, Dr. Daniel B Foley, or Dr. Thao Le, will assess your suitability for dental implants during the initial consultation and discuss other options if needed.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Pros:

  • Improved appearance, confidence, and self-esteem
  • Enhanced speech and comfort
  • Convenience and easy maintenance
  • Improved dental health
  • Durability and long-lasting results

Cons:

  • Time-consuming process
  • Requires surgery
  • Initial costs may be higher compared to other options
  • Potential complications and risks

Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, your oral surgeon will thoroughly assess your candidacy for dental implants. They will carefully evaluate your oral health, physical health, discuss your specific needs and goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. This will involve a physical exam as well as a radiographic evaluation

Your surgeon will schedule your implant procedure, ensuring that it is planned and coordinated to fit your schedule. This comprehensive consultation process aims to provide you with the best possible outcome and ensure a successful dental implant journey.

Step 2 – Tooth extraction (if necessary): Before proceeding with the implant surgery, the dentist will carefully assess the condition of your teeth and, if needed, perform tooth extraction. This ensures that any damaged or decayed teeth are removed, creating a clean and healthy foundation for the successful placement of dental implants.

Step 3 –  Bone graft (if necessary): Individuals who have insufficient bone density or bone volume may require a bone grafting procedure to ensure the stability of the implant before moving forward with the surgery. 

This involves the placement of additional bone material to strengthen the area and provide a solid foundation for successful implantation. 

Step 4 – Implant placement: Anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Anesthesia options include: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, I.V moderate sedation, and I.V deep sedation. The type of anesthesia we used will be discussed at your initial consultation. 

Next, your surgeon will make an incision into your gum tissue, exposing the underlying bone. With precision and care, a hole will be carefully prepared in the bone to create a secure space for the dental implant. The implant will be placed into the jaw bone. Once the implant is in place, the incision will be closed using sutures. 

Step 5 – Healing and osseointegration: There are two significant phases involved in the dental implant process: surgical healing and osseointegration.

  1. Surgical healing: After the dental implant procedure, a period of healing is necessary for the implant site to recover. This phase typically lasts for a few weeks and allows for the gums and surrounding tissues to heal properly.
  2. Osseointegration: Osseointegration refers to the fusion of the dental implant with the jaw bone, which provides the implant with optimal stability and support. This phase typically takes about 3 to 6 months, allowing sufficient time for the implant to integrate fully with the jaw bone.

Step. 6 – Implant impression: The next step in the dental implant process is the implant impression. You will see your dentist for this phase of the dental implant process. 

After your surgeon confirms the stability of the implant, your dentist will take a detailed impression of your teeth and the implant in order to fabricate the restorative abutment and the dental crown. The abutment and dental crown will be fabricated outside the mouth in a dental laboratory and take several weeks to make. 

This critical step ensures a secure and functional foundation for your final restoration, providing long-lasting results and a confident 

Step 7 – Abutment and dental crown placement: During the final step of the dental implant process, your dentist will place your custom-made abutment and dental crown onto the implant. 

The dental crown is designed to match your natural teeth, providing a beautiful and functional replacement tooth. Your dentist will ensure that the crown fits securely and comfortably before completing the procedure.

Dental Implants Boulder

Dental implants can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile and boost your self-esteem. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable investment in oral health. 

Schedule a consultation today to see if dental implants are the right solution for you. A confident, complete smile awaits!  So why wait? 

Take the first step towards your dream smile with Foley & Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. To book an appointment, call (303) 444-2255 or complete the online booking form

If you are searching for the ‘best dental implants near me’, contact the experts at Foley & Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

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