Dental Implant Process Explained
From the first scan to the final crown, here is what implant treatment actually involves.
Planning
A 3D scan shows bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses, so placement is planned digitally before any surgery happens.
Placement
The titanium post is placed into the jaw under local anesthetic. Most patients report far less discomfort than expected, closer to an extraction than major surgery.
Healing
Over three to six months the bone fuses to the post, a process called osseointegration. A temporary tooth can usually fill the gap meanwhile.
The crown
Once integrated, an abutment and a custom crown are attached. Shade and shape are matched to your neighboring teeth so the implant disappears.
Written by the team at Uptown Dentistry, led by Dr. Nicki Tajalli, DDS, in Uptown Houston. This article is general information, not a substitute for an exam.