Dental Implants
A dental implant is a tooth replacement procedure which involves use of a prosthetic root and crown to replace a missing tooth. The post is surgically planted on the jawbone to mimic a natural tooth root while the crown is fixed on it to perfectly take up the space left by the lost or extracted tooth. The treatment is fairly invasive and might require more than just one office appointment. Here's everything that happens during the dental implant treatment:
First appointment
On the initial appointment, your doctor will examine your mouth and take x-rays and images of it to determine if you are ready for an implant and to create a plan for the surgery.
Second appointment
Tooth extraction, if necessary, occurs on your second scheduled appointment. An anesthetic will be used to numb the area and make the process as painless as possible.
Third appointment
During placement of the implant, a hole is drilled in your jawbone at the same place your old tooth was attached. In some cases, a bone graft may be required but this is usually a short and undemanding process.
Fourth appointment
The abutment placement appointment may come several weeks or months after the implant insertion, depending on how long your jaw takes to heal. The abutment is mounted once the implant has completely fused with the jawbone. In some instances, the abutment may be placed on the same day as the implant.
Final appointment
A crown is a tooth-shaped device that is mounted on the abutment (a small connector attached to the implant) to fill up the gap above the implant.
Call us today at 415-931-3100 to schedule your appointment or fill up and submit an appointment form below.