Overview of Implant Placement

The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure 

Whether you need to replace one tooth or several teeth:

One-Stage Implant Placement:

This is a single stage process. Which means that the day your implant is placed we will place a healing abutment which will sits above the gums. One stage is great when there is good initial stabilization of the implant and at a high the same time. Once the implant has undergone full osseointegration, your general dentist will take impressions. They will simply place a permanent implant crown and the restoration is completed.

Two-Stage Implant Placement:

This is a two-stage process that happens over multiple visits. First the implant is placed into the jawbone with a cover screw. This means your gum tissue will cover the implant entirely. Then, several months later after the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the implant is then exposed and a healing abutment is placed. Then your general dentist will take impressions and place a permanent implant crown and the restoration is completed.

When are dental implants placed?

Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At time of extraction of the tooth or teeth, Dr Waack, will place bone grafting material into the extraction site.

If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may have to have additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.

Healing after Dental Implant Surgery

Now the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases. The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. You will be seen 1 -2 weeks for a follow up appointment after your implant or implants are placed.  Then we will see you periodically through out your healing stage. This is to ensure the area is healing properly.