Dental Implant Procedure: Here’s What to Expect Step-by-Step

Replacing missing teeth is one of life’s most important treatments, preventing further tooth loss or bone deterioration over time. Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for replacing one or more teeth, thanks to the versatility and longevity of the procedure.

Such long-lasting results naturally require a multi-step process, with a series of small surgeries and in-between recovery time. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of getting dental implants in Innaloo.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a screw-like implant that fuses to your jawbone, on top of which a realistic-looking crown is securely fastened to closely mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.

While the implant itself refers to the small anchor that acts as an artificial root when embedded with the jawbone, the treatment process requires multiple custom stages to be completed.

A thorough consultation

Only an experienced implant dentist can recommend whether you’re a candidate for this process, with factors such as weak jawbones, smoking, and other pre-existing conditions potentially impacting someone’s suitability. 

The first step to getting dental implants in Innaloo is booking a thorough consultation with a qualified dental practitioner, where x-rays as well as your dental and medical history are taken into consideration before a tailored treatment plan is created 

Bone grafts and tooth extractions

While you may be a candidate for dental implants in Innaloo, some patients require bone grafts or tooth extractions to correctly prepare the mouth for a new implant. 

Those with missing teeth for long periods may have weakened jaw bones due to an absence of tooth roots, requiring bone grafts before there’s sufficient support for implants.

Weakened or affected teeth may also need to be extracted before replacement implants can be inserted. 

Implant placement 

Dental implants are inserted under anaesthetic in a surgical procedure. The gum is cut, a small hole is drilled into the jaw, and a titanium metal rod is carefully screwed in place. Typically two to four months is required as a recovery period to allow the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

Adding the abutment

Once our implant is securely healed, an expert implant dentist in Innaloo places the abutment, or extension piece, to the metal rod now fused to the jawbone. Another healing period is needed to recover from the opening and stitching up of the surgical site. 

Custom dental crowns

After a successful healing and recovery period, a robust and realistic dental crown is created and fitted onto the abutment. A temporary crown is worn until your custom crown is made, after which you can enjoy a beautiful smile with natural-looking replacement teeth!

Choose an experienced  implant dentist in Innaloo

Allied Dental believes in superior preventative care through expert long-term oral health. Highly qualified implant dentists are available at each clinic location, from Cockburn to Innaloo, and are ready to provide expert consultation and a fully tailored dental implant process to each valued patient. 

Get in touch today to book your initial consultation or with any queries about dental implants, and get your smile journey started now!