Types of Dental Implants and Surface Treatments Explained

If you’re considering dental implant surgery, it may be more comforting to know what to expect. The journey begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your oral health will be evaluated, X-rays taken, and your jawbone assessed to determine if it can support an implant. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, a bone graft might be recommended. Bone grafting involves adding bone or bone-like materials to your jaw to create a more stable base for the implant. While it may add time to the overall process, it helps ensure the long-term success of the implant.

Once your jaw is ready, the dental implant surgery takes place. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, followed by drilling a hole and placing the implant post. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. After osseointegration is complete, a minor surgery may be needed to place an abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. In some cases, the abutment can be placed during the initial surgery, or a healing abutment can be placed to guide the gums healing so that no further surgery is needed to complete the process.

Once the gums have healed, impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth. The crown is then attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant procedure and restoring your smile.