The Dental Implant Process: Step-By-Step

If you are missing a tooth and considering your options for replacement, the team at Lake Bluff Dental is here to help. Our goal is to deliver informative, personalized care and results that will last a lifetime. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect from dental implant treatment at our office: 

1. Initial Consultation And Implant Planning

Before you can have dental implant surgery, Dr. Griffin must examine your mouth and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. Since implants are surgically inserted, they require a strong jaw bone and a relatively healthy mouth free of issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Once you’re approved for implant surgery, Dr. Griffin will take x-rays and images of your mouth, and begin planning your personalized dental implant placement process.

2. (Optional) Pre-Implant Surgeries & Treatments

Before you can have your implant placed, you may need some pre-implant surgeries. This step is not always required, but one or more of these treatments may be necessary before your treatment can begin.

• Tooth extraction – If the tooth you’re replacing is still in your mouth, it will need to be removed and the extraction site must heal before you can have your implant placed.
  

• Sinus lift/bone graft – Sinus lifts and bone grafts are used to add additional bone to the implant site. This treatment may be required if your jaw bone has weakened due to tooth loss and it is not strong enough to hold an implant on its own.
  

• Alveoloplasty – This process reshapes the jawbone where your missing tooth used to be, smoothing away sharp ridges and protrusions that could interfere with your implant. 
  

If you need one of these treatments, Dr. Griffin will let you know during the implant planning process. 

3. Implant Placement 

The next step of the implant procedure is to have your implant placed. During this appointment, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed, and you can also be sedated. Dr. Griffin will open a small hole in your gums and jaw, and place your dental implant.

Then, the area will be cleaned, sanitized and sutured shut, and allowed to heal. This process will be repeated if you are having multiple implants. Then, you’ll be sent home and given time to heal.‍

4. Implant Healing, Recovery & Osseointegration

The initial process of healing from dental implant placement takes about 2 weeks. Dr. Griffin will provide you with detailed instructions for the recovery process to ensure you care for your mouth properly.

However, the process of “osseointegration” takes much longer. This is the process by which the metal implant permanently bonds with your jaw bone, and it usually takes about 3-6 months. You’ll come in for regular follow-ups so Dr. Griffin can track the progress of your implant.‍

5. Placing The Implant-Supported Restoration 

During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Griffin will take dental impressions and photos of your teeth, and begin working on your implant-supported restoration. The most common restorations are dental crowns or implant-supported dentures. 

Once your mouth has healed and your implant has gone through the process of osseointegration, you will come in for your final appointment. Your implant-supported restoration will be checked to make sure that it fits properly, and it will be permanently bonded into place. ‍

Want To Learn More Or Get Started? Contact Us Now!

Dr. Griffin is an experienced implant dentist, and at Lake Bluff Dental you can trust that the results of your treatment will always be beautiful and look natural. If you’re interested in dental implants in Shorewood, our team would be happy to meet you and discuss whether or not an implant is the right way to restore your smile. Previous dental implant failures? Check this. To get started, contact us at (414) 962-1800, or stop by our office at 1720 E Lake Bluff Blvd, Shorewood, WI 53211.