How Is a Single Tooth Implant Placed?
Understanding the procedure step by step can help ease any anxiety. Here is how a single implant is placed.
The procedure is performed in stages over several months. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Examination and planning
- Your dentist takes X-rays and a 3D CT scan to measure your bone
- A treatment plan is created for optimal implant placement
- Step 2: Tooth extraction (if the tooth is still present)
- The damaged tooth is removed
- You may need to wait 4β8 weeks for the socket to heal before the implant can be placed
- Step 3: Implant placement surgery (1β2 hours)
- Your mouth is numbed with local anesthesia (sedation is optional)
- An incision is made in the gum to expose the bone
- A small hole is drilled into the bone at the precise location
- The titanium implant post is gently screwed into place
- The gum is stitched closed over the implant
- Step 4: Healing and osseointegration (2β6 months)
- The bone grows around the implant and bonds with it
- A temporary crown or partial denture can be worn during this time
- Step 5: Abutment placement (15β30 minutes)
- A small incision exposes the implant
- The abutment (connector) is attached to the implant
- Step 6: Crown fabrication and placement (2β4 weeks)
- Impressions are taken to create a custom crown
- The crown is color-matched to your natural teeth
- The crown is cemented or screwed onto the abutment