Dental Implants

Dental implants are small, threaded posts that surgically replace missing teeth. In addition to filling in gaps in your smile, dental implants can help you chew and speak more easily. Once healed, implants work much like natural teeth. They’re a permanent solution for tooth loss.

A dental implant involves three main parts:

1. Threaded post: This is the actual implant. You can think of it like an artificial tooth root. A provider places it in your jawbone during surgery.
2. Abutment: This is a tiny connector post. It screws into the threaded post and extends slightly beyond your gums. It serves as the foundation for your new artificial tooth.
3. Restoration: A dental restoration is any prosthetic that repairs or replaces teeth. It’s the new tooth that you and others can see. Common dental implant restorations are crowns, bridges and implant-supported dentures.

Most implants are titanium, but some are ceramic. Both materials are safe and biocompatible (friendly to the tissues inside your mouth).

Types

Dental implants vary by the type of material, the procedure and the number of teeth they replace. Options include:

• Single-tooth replacement: This is a single implant that supports a crown.
• Implant bridge: This is two or more implants that support a permanent bridge to replace three or more teeth.
• Full arch: This consists of multiple implants (usually four to six) that support a full arch of teeth. An “arch” means all of your upper or lower teeth. The implants may support non-removable dentures or dentures that snap on and off.

With all types, it’s important that there’s enough jawbone to support the implant. If there isn’t, your provider may need to place dental bone grafts to build up places where there’s bone loss.

What is the process of getting a dental implant?

Dental implant surgery will be personalized to you. But the following gives a general overview of what you can expect your dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist or prosthodontist to do:

• Place the implant surgically.
• Give you time to heal.
• Attach the abutment and final crown, bridge or denture.

Dental implant surgery

During surgery, your surgeon will:

1. Give you anesthesia. This medicine will numb your gums. If you choose sedation, your provider will give you those meds as well. You shouldn’t feel any pain during surgery.
2. Create an incision. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
3. Prepare your jaw. Your surgeon will use specialized instruments to create a small hole in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right size for your new dental implant.
4. Place the dental implant. Next, your surgeon will place the implant into your jaw.
5. Close the incisions. Your surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.

If your implant is near the front of your mouth, your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear until you heal. That way, you won’t have a gap while you recover. If your implant is near the back of your mouth, you may not need a temporary tooth. Your provider will tell you what to expect in your situation.

Healing phase (osseointegration)

During the healing phase, your jawbone should fuse to the dental implant. This process is called osseointegration. It’s critical for stability and long-term success. This process can take anywhere from three to nine months. It depends on how quickly your body heals.

Placement of abutment and final restoration

Once your implant heals, your dentist can attach the abutment (small connector post) and your final restoration (crown, bridge or denture). This usually takes about one hour to complete and may require a second minor surgery.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Tooth loss changes the way you eat, speak and connect with the world around you. Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and offer benefits like:

• Better chewing ability
• Enhanced smile
• Improved speech and enunciation
• Stability for wobbly dentures
• Jawbone preservation (prevents a sunken appearance that happens when your jawbone shrinks following tooth loss)
• Longevity (dental implants can last a lifetime with proper hygiene and regular dental visits)

Another advantage is that dental implants don’t require enamel removal like bridges do. To replace one missing tooth with a tooth-supported bridge, your dentist must shave down at least one tooth on either side of the gap. This can weaken your natural tooth structure over time.

A dental implant replaces your missing tooth without involving the neighboring teeth. It’s a one-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem.

When an experienced surgeon places implants, the risk of complications is minimal.

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, be sure to find a provider you trust.

How long does it take to recover after getting dental implants?

The first round of healing takes about one week. But it takes anywhere from three to nine months for your jawbone to fuse around the implant. This process stabilizes your implant so you can use it like a natural tooth.

Your provider will check on your progress periodically. Once the implant heals, it’s then safe to add the restoration (crown, bridge or denture).

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants usually last longer than alternatives that replace lost teeth (like traditional dentures that rest on your gums). With brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, implants can often last a lifetime.

The restoration part of your dental implant might need to be replaced at some point. Most crowns and bridges last around 15 years, and most dentures last at least seven years. But this timeline varies.

When should I call my dentist?

If you have a dental implant, call your dentist any time you notice:

• A loose or wobbly implant
• Bleeding gums
• Fever
• Pus (infection) around the implant
• Swollen gums
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck (along with one or more of the above symptoms)

At what age should you not consider dental implants?

The minimum age is typically 18, and there’s no upper limit. You must be done growing for a dental implant to be placed. The main requirement is that you have enough healthy bone in your jaw for the implant to take hold. A dentist is the only person who can tell you whether you’re a candidate.

Who shouldn’t get dental implants?

It may not be a good idea if you have a condition that may make it difficult for the implant to anchor firmly in your jawbone or if you’re at risk of complications. It may not be the best option if you have:

• Active or untreated gum disease
• Bone disorders and some autoimmune diseases
• Extensive tooth decay
• Poor oral hygiene
• Severe bone loss in your jaw
• Unmanaged diabetes

It may not be a good idea if you smoke or vape, as this can disrupt the healing process.

Still, every person’s case is unique. To find out for sure if you qualify for dental implants, talk to a dentist.

Can people with autoimmune disease get dental implants?

In some cases, yes. A recent study shows that people both with and without autoimmune diseases have comparable success rates following dental implant surgery.

Still, some autoimmune diseases can cause dental issues that may make it challenging to get an implant. Also, some medications for these conditions may increase your risk of complications during the healing period.

Your provider will review your medical history carefully before suggesting dental implants. They’ll let you know if you’re a good candidate.

How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?

It often takes three to nine months for the implant to heal so your surgeon can place the artificial tooth/teeth. Much depends on how quickly your body heals. In the meantime, they may fit you with a temporary solution so you don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile.

How painful is getting a dental implant?

You won’t feel any pain during your dental implant procedure. After surgery, it’s normal to have slight discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease these symptoms. You should feel like yourself within a week or so. Most people eventually forget the implant is even there.