How does tooth implantation occur

Implantation is a surgical procedure during which an artificial tooth root is placed and further prosthetics are performed.

The main goals of implantation include:

• Restoration of chewing function. Tooth loss can greatly complicate the chewing process and lead to digestive problems. Implants allow full restoration of chewing function.
• Aesthetics and self-confidence. Missing teeth can cause feelings of insecurity and lower self-esteem. Implants help create a smile as close to natural as possible, and sometimes even more beautiful.

How dental implantation is performed

To better understand how tooth implantation is performed, one should first understand the structure of an implant. Implants are needed to replace lost teeth, and structurally they consist of three main parts, each of which, figuratively speaking, replaces one part of the tooth: the root of the lost tooth is replaced by the implant root, the neck by the abutment (connector), and the crown part by an artificial crown.

Having several component parts of the structure opens up possibilities for implementing different scenarios of how a dental implant is placed.

Scenario 1. Single-stage implantation (root, abutment, and temporary crown are placed in one appointment).

Scenario 2. Two-stage implantation (the root is placed at the first appointment, and the abutment and crown at the second).

However, the variety does not end there, so each scenario and its variations should be examined in more detail.

Implantation in any case begins with consultation and preparation. The doctor studies the patient’s medical history, their X-ray, and also conducts an initial examination. Then, based on the information obtained, the doctor concludes which implantation method will be optimal for the patient. Planning and preparation are carried out. This is the general starting point for all implantation techniques, but further options are available.

Suppose that, taking into account the individual clinical picture, the patient’s wishes, and all possible risks, a decision was made to perform single-stage implantation. In this case, the process will be as follows:

1. Implantation procedure:

• Anesthesia: local anesthesia.
• Incision and preparation: the doctor makes a small incision in the mucosa to access the bone tissue. A socket is formed in the bone for the implant.
• Implant placement: an artificial root is placed into the prepared socket.
• Abutment placement: an abutment is integrated into the artificial root; in some types of implants, the implant and abutment are a single non-detachable structure.
• Temporary crown placement: a temporary crown is placed on the abutment.

Note that the temporary crown placement can be with immediate loading (the patient can already chew on the artificial tooth) or without it (the crown is taken out of occlusion to ensure better implant integration).

2. Postoperative period:

• Care recommendations: the doctor gives the patient instructions for oral care.
• Follow-up visits: the patient should regularly visit the dentist to monitor the implant condition and tissue healing.

3. Osseointegration:

• Healing process: over several months (usually 3-6), the implant integrates with the bone, meaning that the bone heals well around the placed implant.

4. Permanent crown placement:

• Crown fabrication: after successful osseointegration, a permanent crown is fabricated considering color and shape.
• Crown placement: the permanent crown is attached to the abutment, completing the implantation process.

5. Monitoring and care:

• Regular check-ups: the patient needs to periodically visit the dentist to monitor the implant and crown condition.
• Hygiene: it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid inflammation and infections around the implant.

Two-stage implantation takes more time but has a better prognosis and significantly lower risks of implant rejection. Note that two-stage implantation does not involve immediate loading. After consultation and planning, the implantation process proceeds as follows:

1. First surgical procedure:

• Anesthesia: local anesthesia.
• Incision and preparation: the doctor makes a small incision in the mucosa to access the bone tissue. A socket is formed in the bone for the implant.
• Implant placement: an artificial root is placed into the prepared socket.
• Suturing: the artificial root is sutured until the osseointegration process is complete.

2. Second surgical procedure:

• Implant exposure: after successful osseointegration, the surgeon makes a small incision in the mucosa to expose the upper part of the implant.
• Healing abutment placement: a special cap (healing abutment) is placed on the implant, which helps the mucosa heal and form the correct contour for the future crown.

3. Taking impressions:

• Removing the healing abutment.
• Placing the transfer.
• Taking the impression: the doctor takes an impression of the teeth for fabricating an individual crown; either impression material or an intraoral scanner may be used.
• Removing the transfer and placing the healing abutment.
• Transferring impressions and information about the type, material, shape, and color of the future crown to the dental laboratory.

4. Abutment and crown placement:

• Removing the healing abutment.
• Placing the abutment.
• Crown placement: after fabrication, the crown is placed on the abutment. The crown can be temporary or permanent.

5. Monitoring and care:

• Regular check-ups: the patient needs to regularly visit the dentist to monitor the implant and crown condition.
• Hygiene: it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid inflammation and infections around the implant.

When talking about how dental implantation is done, it is impossible not to mention the immediate technique. Its distinctive feature is that implantation takes place immediately after tooth extraction — in one appointment.

That is, the doctor first performs tooth extraction, and then integrates an artificial root — an implant — into the socket formed after removal. At the same time, immediate implantation can be either single-stage or two-stage.