7 Steps for Dental Implants
What is the process?
We are going to describe the process in detail from the first to the last day of a simple implant treatment in Georgetown, Delaware:
First surgical phase:
Visit 1
- A clinical and radiograhic assessment will be performed. The implant surgeon will assess the patient’s mouth, the amount of remaining bone and the general state of health. A cbct 3 dimensional xray is mandatory to assess the quality and quantity of bone and achieve treatment succes. With all the clinical and radiographic informatiomn the implant surgeon determines whether dental implant surgery is viable.
- Each of the steps to place the dental implants will be explained to the patient. Advantages, disadvantages, alternative treatments will be explained and any questions that the patient has will be answered.
- Treatment cost will be explained in detail. If dental insurance is involved and estimate of insurance will be given and a predetermination will be send to insurance
Visit 2
- Implants should not be performed if other areas of the mouth have active dental disease. Teeth cleaning, gum treatment, caries removal, extraction of non salvagable teeth might be necessary prior to the surgical implant visit. Excessive presence of bacteria or infections in the mouth, can interfere with the success of dental implant treatment.
- If the entire mouth is healthy, the surgery for the placement of the dental implants can be performed. Steps during this visit are as follow
- Local numbing of the area to be treated. With the gentle touch of dr sanz, you will not realized any discomfort. With local numbing,also commonly call novacaine, you are not going to feel any kind of discomfort nor pain. There is no need of Deep sedation for treatment with dental implants.
- Preparation of the jaw bone for the dental implant, through the use of a sequence of drills with the shape of the implant that are introduced from lower to higher until they leave the exact space for the dental implant.
- Placement of the dental implant in the prepared area.
- Stiches around the implant. After the surgical treatment, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication are prescribed for a week to prevent infection and to help alleviate the associated symptoms resulting from the implant procedure.
Visit 3
After 1 week, a quick follow up to assess the healing and removing the stiches is necessary.
Visit 4
After 3 months, a quick follow up to assess the final healing is necessary. A test to assess the osseointegration of the implant, ostem, and an xray will be taken.
Second Prosthetic Phase:
Visit 5
1. Our prosthetic specialist will take an impression ( standard or digital) to start the process to build the tooth that goes over the implant.
2.This impression is sent to a dental laboratory technician to make a custom tooth with the shape and color that look natural.
Visit 6
1. Test of the internal structure of the prosthesis on the implant.
2. X-ray to check that the fit between the prosthesis and the implant is correct.
Visit 7
1. Placement of the tooth
2. X-ray to confirm a correct fit.
3. Closing of the chimney (hole where the screw that will join the dental prosthesis to the implant is inserted).
In this visit, the patient leaves with his or her definitive tooth.
By following the steps to place the dental implants correctly, the chances of success of the treatment will be very high. It is important for the patient to be aware that dental implants require care and maintenance similar to that of a natural tooth, which is why periodic check-ups are necessary, according to the indications of the implantologist.