A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement technology available in dentistry. They replace the entire tooth, including the root for a secure, natural function. 

If you’re considering dental implants or have an upcoming appointment to get one or more dental implants, this guide will provide a complete overview of the procedure so that you know what to expect. 

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw to replace the natural roots of your teeth. The implant fuses with the jaw bone to create a secure anchor for a dental prosthetic. One dental implant can replace a single tooth. Multiple implants can be placed throughout the jaw to support larger dental prosthetics, such as bridges and dentures that replace a few or all of the teeth. 

The Process for Dental Implant Placement Step By Step 

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process: 

1. Consultation. The first step in the process of getting dental implants is always a consultation. Your oral surgeon will explain how dental implants work and the process for placement to determine if you are interested in this option. 
2. Evaluation. If you are interested in getting dental implants, an evaluation will need to be conducted to determine if you are a good candidate. Your oral surgeon will assess your oral health and the condition of your jaw bone to ensure that there is sufficient bone structure to support dental implants. This portion of the process can include CBCT scans or other digital modeling of the jaw to ensure proper planning is done. 
3. Preparation. If you have any bone loss in your jaw, which may result from missing teeth or periodontal disease, you may need some preparatory procedures before you are ready to receive dental implants. Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures help to restore and rebuild lost bone tissue in order to make dental implant placement possible. The process of regeneration may take a few months to a year depending on a patient's health and healing abilities. Other preparatory procedures may include tooth extractions. 
4. Placement. When you are ready to receive dental implants an appointment will be made for the procedure. Your appointment will be similar to most surgical appointments, and many sedation options are available and will be discussed with the patient prior to booking their procedure. We recommend sedation for the patients comfort as there is drilling into the jaw that can be a bit unsettling for most patients to hear and feel the vibrations from the procedure.  
5. Healing time. After the placement of dental implants they will need time to heal and fuse with the bone tissue. The process of osseointegration can take a few months. 
6. Final restoration. Once your dental implants have successfully integrated with the jaw bone, the abutment and dental prosthetic can be attached. You may receive one or more crowns, bridges, or dentures to complete your restoration. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants 

Can dental implants be placed in one day? 

In some cases dental implants can be placed in as little as one appointment. You will still need a consultation and evaluation to determine if you are eligible for this option before your procedure can be scheduled. 

Are dental implants covered by insurance? 

Some dental insurance plans cover dental implants and others don’t. It may require an upgrade to a higher tier dental plan that includes dental implant coverage. Contact your insurance provider or refer to your benefits guide for more information. 

Can I smoke after getting implants?

One of the biggest factors in a healthy patient’s successful integration and lifespan for an implant is if the patient smokes or not. Smoking before or after your procedure dramatically increases the chance of  implant failure and decreases the lifespan of the implant. Because of this we strongly suggest seeking options to stop smoking or switch to patches in the interim. 

Ready to Get Started? 

If you’re ready to start the process of getting dental implants, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park. We can discuss tooth replacement options and determine if dental implants are the best choice for you. 

To learn more, call 904-269-5195 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.