What are the Stages of Dental Implants?

Dental implants take time to produce and fit. But the reward of natural looking teeth is worth the time and effort. Find out what goes into having dental implants.

Stage #1 Scans and X-rays

Your prosthodontist will need to know a little about what’s under the gum line. The only way to find out is to do scans and/or x-rays. These will be used during the planning stage and also the during the placement of the implant.

Stage #2 Minor Operation

Next, a minor operation is needed to fit the dental implant into the jawbone. A general anaesthetic is used so you don’t feel any pain during the operation. You may need to eat a soft food diet while the wound recovers. You can gently brush and floss your teeth to keep your mouth healthy while healing.

Stage #3 Bone Growth

For the next few months, the jawbone grows around the implant to help hold it in place. Temporary prosthetics may be used so patients don’t have the appearance of missing teeth.

Stage #4 Scan/Moulds

It’s now time for the prosthetic teeth to be made. A mould or scan of the mouth is used to make the teeth in the correct size and shape so that they match any surrounding teeth.

Stage #5 New Teeth

Once the prosthetic tooth/teeth have been made in the lab, it’s time to fit them. Your prosthodontist will screw or cement the teeth on to the implant screw.