Dental implant surgery offers a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth by anchoring ceramic crowns to titanium posts placed in the jawbone. This innovative procedure not only restores the appearance of your smile but also mimics the function of natural teeth. While the treatment takes time, the outcome is a durable, permanent replacement. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to know the whole journey, from start to finish. To learn more about what happens after the procedure, be sure to visit our blog page, What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery, for helpful insights on healing and recovery.

What Is Dental Implant Surgery and How Does It Work?

Dental implant surgery is designed to restore missing teeth. Biocompatible materials like titanium are used to create artificial tooth roots. These implants fuse with the jawbone over time, forming a solid base for custom-made ceramic crowns resembling natural teeth. The process is typically done in stages to allow for healing and integration, especially when bone grafting is involved.

Dental implant surgery has become a common and trusted procedure in restorative dentistry due to its success rate and long-term benefits. This surgery offers a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or other health conditions.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

When contemplating dental implant surgery, price is something to keep in mind. The price can fluctuate depending on the type of implant you receive. This surgery is not inexpensive, and medical insurance may not be an option for coverage. Payment plans can be set up with your dental implant surgeon and should be discussed before the surgery.

Dental implants are a long-term investment in your health and confidence. While the upfront cost may seem high, the durability and permanence of the solution often make it more cost-effective in the long run than bridges or dentures, which may require frequent adjustments or replacements.

Dental Implant Procedure Step by Step

Dental implant surgery is not an instant fix and is usually completed in stages. Some techniques allow for the extraction and replacement in one day, but the work is not fully completed until the bones have fused to the implant, which takes several months. After the fusion of titanium to bone creates your new tooth roots, your ceramic crowns are placed to create your new perfect smile.

Step 1: Consultation and Imaging

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation that includes digital X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your jawbone density and identify any complications that could affect the success of the implant. Your dentist will also review your medical history and discuss your expectations.

Step 2: Bone Grafting (If Needed)

If your jawbone isn't thick enough or too soft, you may require a bone graft. This extra step helps provide a more solid foundation for the implant. Healing from a graft can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the graft and your overall health.

Step 3: Implant Placement

Once your jaw is ready, the titanium post (the implant) is surgically placed into the bone. This post acts as the new root for your artificial tooth. The area is then allowed to heal, which initiates the osseointegration process, where bone fuses with the implant.

Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration

During this phase, your jawbone begins to grow around the implant. Osseointegration is critical for ensuring your new “root” is strong and stable. This phase typically takes 3 to 6 months.

Step 5: Abutment Attachment

Once the implant is securely integrated, an abutment is placed on top. This small connector will eventually hold the crown. Your gum tissue may need to heal for a couple of weeks after this step.

Step 6: Crown Placement

The final stage is placing the ceramic crown onto the abutment. Your crown is custom-designed to match your natural teeth' color, shape, and size. Once secured, it completes the dental implant process, giving you a strong, functional, and attractive smile.

Material Used: Why Titanium?

For dental implants, titanium is used to create the structure and security of your new teeth. Titanium is the metal used because of its durability and ability to exist in the body without affecting surrounding tissues. Titanium in the body is extremely unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, meaning your implant is trusted to be secure.

Its biocompatibility allows it to fuse with the bone through osseointegration without causing rejection or inflammation, which is why it's the preferred material for the base of dental implants.

During your dental implant consultation, your dentist will assess whether your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant. If it's not, bone grafting may be recommended to reinforce the area. This additional procedure can affect the overall timeline, which raises a common question: how long does dental implant surgery take? While the implant procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours per implant, the whole treatment plan,  including healing and any necessary bone grafting, can extend over several months to ensure long-term success.

A strong and healthy jawbone plays a crucial role in the long-term success of dental implants, offering the support needed for everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and smiling confidently. Working with an experienced professional is important to ensure your implant is placed correctly and your bone health is properly assessed. For tips on choosing the right provider, visit our blog, How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Dental Implants.

Contact Us Today

If you're considering dental implant surgery, schedule a consultation with the experts at Schaumburg Dental Studio. Our team in Schaumburg, IL, will help determine the best type of implant procedure for your needs and guide you through the timeline for achieving your new, confident smile. Dental implant surgery could be the ideal solution for your lifestyle. Book your consultation with us today!