The Dental Implant Procedure

The placement of a dental implant is often divided into two stages -

Stage 1 - Surgical phase
Stage 2 - Restorative phase

There is always a surgical phase and a restorative phase. The time span between these stages may vary, depending on each individual case.

In some cases, the implant can have a 'tooth' placed immediately. At other times, a healing period of about three months is necessary.

Surgical Phase

The implant surgery will be done in a comfortable and compassionate way at Geelong Smile Studio, under local anaesthetic using strict sterile operating techniques.

To place an implant, small incisions are made into your gum to expose the underlying jaw bone. Using special techniques and instruments, the implant is then inserted into the underlying jaw bone.

The surgical site is then closed around a healing abutment and the dental implant is allowed to heal 'osseointegrate' (bony integration) for a period of three months.

If the tooth that you are missing and having replaced with a dental implant is in the aesthetic zone, you will be provided with an temporary denture. This will be placed immediately following the extraction of the tooth and insertion of the dental implant.

This temporary denture is to keep you looking good in the three months while waiting for the implant to complete osseointegration. That is, you will never be without your front tooth!

Restorative Phase

Three months following insertion of the dental implant, the degree of integration of the implant to the bone is tested with a simple 'torque test'. This five minute procedure is completely painless and does not require any local anaesthetic.

Provided osseointegration has been successful, an additional 30 minute appointment will be scheduled to take an impression of the dental implant.

This impression is sent to a dental ceramist who will then construct the final crown. An appointment may need to be arranged between you and the ceramist so that the colour and contour of the final crown will be as natural as possible.

It usually takes three weeks for the dental ceramist to construct the crown.

At the final 30 minute appointment, the crown is tried in your mouth and provided that you are happy with the match to your existing teeth, the crown is then attached to the underlying implant. Again this procedure is often performed without local anaesthetic.

Maintaining optimal dental hygiene around your dental implant is a life-time commitment and will ensure the chances that your implant will remain successful.

Arrange a visit to Geelong Smile Studio for an assessment for dental implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Surgical Phase

Restorative Phase

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