The procedure is long-lasting, but we’ll guide you through all stages of tooth implant surgery. Let’s start our dental journey!

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

How many steps to dental implants exist? Many dentists outline what are the 3 stages of dental implants, but we define six stages of implants since the process involves intermediary steps.

Initial consultation with an oral surgeon is the dental implant’s first stage. The doctor evaluates the state of the patient’s teeth, gums, and jaws and confirms their eligibility for the procedure. Though the recommended minimum age for undergoing all stages of a tooth implant treatment is 18, you’d better be above twenties. The oral surgeon will assess your jawbone condition by visual examination and using X-rays and CT scans. 

They will also analyze your medical records to develop a treatment plan and determine the best placement of the titanium rod. Much depends on whether you need a single tooth implant or an all-on-6 dental implant solution, perfect for people who’ve lost all their teeth. 

Stage 2: Preparation for Surgery

Preparatory steps of a dental implant are equally important for teeth replacement treatment. You ensure your body is ready for the procedure and quickly heal after the dental surgery. The doctor may perform prior treatments such as tooth extraction or bone grafting to improve the jaw’s structure. If you suffer from chronic conditions, a dentist can prescribe antibiotics before and after getting an implant. Sufficient preparation lays the foundation for other dental implant phases.

We recommend making some arrangements before the surgery:

• Ensure you have soft foods at home. You’ll have to follow a mild diet to eliminate any chewing load during postoperative rehabilitation.
• Postpone your gym membership for two weeks after dental surgery.
• Get a few days off from work and social engagements.
• Lighten your schedule for a week after the surgery.
• Ask for help around the house or childcare for the first two days after dental implantation.

Stage 3: Implant Placement Surgery

After these two stages of tooth implant treatment comes the surgical placement of the metal, screwlike post into the bone structure. Made from biocompatible materials, this artificial tooth root provides a strong foundation for the upper part of your new tooth — a dental crown. It requires a minor operation, during which the doctor will give you a local anesthetic on the implant site, so you won’t feel pain.

After local anesthesia starts working, the oral surgeon incises the gum to access the jawbone. They will create a hole using a dental drill to position the implant. Most patients admit they don’t experience much discomfort during the surgery. To manage unpleasant sensations after the numbness wears off, your doctor can provide pain medication. 

Stage 4: Healing and Osseointegration

When a dental implant is successfully positioned, you have to wait for around 4 to 6 months for the jawbone to grow around the titanium rod. Osseointegration is among the most important dental implants stages as it ensures the future stability of a dental implant. The success rate is up to 98%, and the risk of implant “rejection” is extremely low. Your chances for a successful outcome significantly increase if you strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and adhere to good oral hygiene habits.

Stage 5: Abutment Placement

An abutment is a small part linking the implant to the final restoration. Placing the abutment also requires minor surgery, but sometimes the dentist can combine two implant stages: dental implant surgery and placing an abutment. If these steps are divided, you’ll get the implant area anesthetized, and your doctor will attach the abutment.

After a short 2-week recovery time between abutment and crown, you can proceed to the last step of dental implants. It’s vital that you avoid smoking and chewing hard foods during this period: these activities may obstruct smooth healing.

Stage 6: Final Crown Placement

When you pass the five stages of dental implants, your dentist will develop a unique design for your dental crown. It’s a visible tooth-shaped cap that covers an implant and restores a missing tooth. 

The doctor will adjust its size and appearance so that the crown seamlessly fits in your tooth set. When the crown is cemented into its place, the restoration will look and feel like your natural tooth and function accordingly. Here comes your moment of glory! You can enjoy restored tooth functionality with a triumphant grin.

Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance

If you thoroughly care for your dental implant, it can last you for decades. It’s no more challenging than caring for your natural teeth. Here are some actionable tips for proper implant aftercare:

• Clean your teeth twice a day with a soft or electric toothbrush.
• Floss daily or use interdental brushes.
• Give up smoking: it may harm the implant. This guilty pleasure enhances the risk of implant failure, so your doctor may ask you to avoid smoking throughout the treatment period.
• Habitually replace your toothbrush for maximum oral hygiene.
• Regularly visit a dental office for oral cavity examination and teeth cleaning.

Now you can answer “What are the steps of a dental implant?” The entire process takes from 6 to 9 months, but the invested time, money, and effort are worth it. Your new artificial tooth will look like your own, improving your oral health and quality of life. 

Pass Tooth Implant Stages for Life-Changing Results

Whether you need to restore one or multiple missing teeth, going through these six stages of dental implant treatment is necessary for long-lasting results. These steps of dental implant might seem lengthy, but when you consider it as nurturing your new tooth, everything falls into place. If you still have concerns about the intricacies of dental implant stages, make an appointment with a reputable dental office, and the doctor will answer all your questions. Good luck on the way to your restored smile!

Additional Resources

Speaking of conventional stages of a dental implant procedure, we’ve mentioned some new methods of implant placement. More on them here.