Overview of Implant Placement

When a tooth is lost, both of its parts, the crown and root are lost (Figures 1-2). The dental implant, which will replace the missing root, requires a solid foundation of supporting bone. In order to regenerate the missing bone (Figure 3) the surgeon may perform a bone graft procedure (see Bone Grafting). The implant may then safely be installed after the bone graft has healed (Figure 4). The body’s natural healing process then takes over and bone grows around the implant, locking it in place with direct bone-to-implant contact, a phenomenon termed “osseointegration” (see What Are Dental Implants?). The bone graft procedure, and the implant placement procedure may each take approximately one hour. The number of appointments and the time required for each procedure vary from patient to patient. You may be confident that Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will pay close attention to every detail of your case, and carry out each procedure with the upmost precision.

In some cases the gum tissue will be closed over-top the implant after placement. Once the osseointegration process is complete, a healing cap, also known as a healing abutment, is attached to the implant in what is known as the uncovery procedure (Figure 5). In other cases, the implant may be placed with a healing abutment right away. Once the gum tissue has healed around the healing abutment the crown may then be attached to the implant. Sometimes the crown is made of two parts: a restorative abutment and the crown itself (Figures 6-7). When a crown is attached to the implant this process is termed a “restoration”. Whether it’s one tooth or all of your teeth that are being replaced, your dentist will complete the restoration by installing the crown on the dental implant (Figures 8-10).

When Are Dental Implants Placed?

The ideal timing for placement of a dental implant will depend in the unique situation at hand. Implants are usually placed several months after extraction of a natural tooth, and in combination with a bone graft procedure. In certain cases an implant may be placed immediately after removing a tooth. Although extraction and immediate implant placement may shorten the treatment time, if an infection or bone deficiency is present, it is not the safest option. In these cases a stepwise approach of bone grafting followed by implant placement will lead to a more predictable treatment outcome.

For more information on treatment planning for dental implant replacement of missing teeth, please visit the following link to an article published in Oral Health, one of our national dental journals, written by Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu: