Five Stages of a Routine Dental Implant Procedure

Losing natural teeth is difficult at any age, as tooth loss can impact your confidence, appearance, and lifestyle. That’s where dental implants can come in. Implants give you back the attractive, healthy smile you lost when teeth went missing. They restore your ability to eat, laugh, and talk with confidence and ease. 

Learning more about the dental implant procedure will help you make an informed decision about this treatment. In this post, Dr. Colby Eckland from Redmond Smiles in Redmond, Washington, walks you through the stages of getting implants so you’ll know what to expect.

Stage 1 – Initial Consultation and Planning 

Dr. Eckland will start by evaluating your teeth, gums, and jaw to see if you’re a good candidate for implant treatment. We’ll take x-rays and CT scans of your mouth to check your jawbone health, as good bone density is needed for the implants to integrate with your jawbone properly. Fortunately, we can remedy problems with bone loss through bone grafting prior to implant surgery. We’ll also evaluate your general health and lifestyle habits, as these will impact your treatment and subsequent recovery. If all these boxes check, we’ll discuss your options for implants (dental implant crowns, fixed bridges, or implant dentures) and map out a plan for your treatment.

Stage 2 – Implant Surgery

Implants are titanium posts that Dr. Eckland places in your jawbone through oral surgery. These posts will eventually fuse with your bone system to become tooth roots. When the implants heal, they’ll be used as a foundation to support your new teeth. Each implant can take 1-2 hours to place. For implant dentures, only four implants are needed to replace an entire arch of the upper or lower teeth. Implant surgery is done under anesthesia, so there’s no fear of discomfort or pain. Sedation options are also available to help you have a comfortable, stress-free procedure. 

Stage 3 – Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process where the implants fuse with your jawbone and heal. Depending on the complexity of your treatment, this process could take 4-6 months to complete. Osseointegration is key to the success of your treatment as it gives your implants the stability they need to support your new teeth. It’s what allows the implants to function just like your natural teeth.

Stage 4 – Placement of Abutments

Abutments are connectors that link the implants to your replacement teeth. Once the implants heal, Dr. Eckland will attach the abutments and give them a week or two to heal before securing your new teeth. 

Stage 5 – Fitting Your New Teeth 

Once the abutments heal, it’s time to complete your treatment by attaching your new teeth. Your restorations are the only part of the implant people will see. Dr. Colby will create restorations that look and feel like natural teeth to give your smile a stunning, natural appearance.

Where to Go for Implant Treatment Near Me

To schedule a consultation for implant treatment in Redmond, WA, contact Dr. Colby Eckland from Redmond Smiles at (425) 584-1192.

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