Implant Treatment Outline
There are several approaches that may be used in implant placement, depending on the patient's particular needs. Generally, an implant restoration consists of three phases: (1) placement of the implant itself, (2) following implant healing, insertion of a post or other fixture that emerges through the gum, and (3) seating the final crown or prosthesis. Below is an example of a typical treatment sequence for a common restoration, the single tooth replacement.
Phase One (Diagnosis and Treatment Planning)
- 1. Study model
- 2. X-rays and CAT Scan
- 3. Careful planning and coordination with the restorative dentist
- 4. Presurgical consultation
Phase Two (Surgeon)
Appointment 1 - Examination and treatment planning
Missing tooth to be replaced.
Appointment 2 - Placement of implant
Hole prepared to receive implant.
Implant seated and gum closed.
Appointment 3 (10 - 14 days) - Sutures removed
Appointment 4 (4 weeks) - Site examined to assure proper healing
Appointment 5 (2 - 4 months) - Implant exposed, if submerged at the insertion appointment
Access hole in gum to expose implant.
Appointment 6 (1 - 3 weeks after exposure) - Study models taken that record exact location of implant
Phase Three (Restorative Dentist)
The restorative dentist can use the study models, with the post attached to the simulated implant, to analyze the case before the patient is seen. The post may be contoured to the desired shape on the models, so only minimal refinements are needed when seated in the mouth.
Appointment 7 - Post seated permanently in the implant, and shape refined Temporary crown placed on post (Final impressions for the crown may be taken at this appointment)
Post seated in implant.
Post shaped to receive crown.
Appointment 8 (if needed) - Final impression for crown taken and sent to lab
Phase Four (Restorative Dentist)
Appointment 9 - Final crown seated and occlusion (bite) refined
There can be a number of variations in treatment. Under ideal circumstances it may be possible to place the implant without requiring a second surgical procedure. In these cases a healing cap may be placed at the surgical appointment, negating the need for the secondary implant exposure surgery (Appointment 5). Conversely, surgery may reveal less bone than expected, and implant placement may be delayed while more bone is generated.