The entire procedure for single implants involves several steps and can be broken down into the following stages:
The first step in the single implant procedure is a consultation with a dental implant dentist. The dentist will evaluate the patient’s oral health, bone density, and medical history to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may involve X-rays and 3D scans.
Once the patient has been cleared for the dental implant surgery, the dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia and make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. They will then carefully drill a small hole into the bone and insert the implant post. Once the implant is securely in place, the dentist will close the incision with stitches.
After the implant is placed, the patient will need to allow time for the implant to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the dentist will attach an abutment to the implant post. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the final restoration.
After the abutment is attached, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s teeth to create a custom-made final restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Once the restoration is completed, the dentist will attach it to the abutment, completing the single implant procedure.