The Steps Involved in Getting and Restoring a Dental Implant

By Ali Y. Ghatri, DDS

Part 3

The journey to restoring a missing tooth with a dental implant involves more than surgery alone. Successful treatment requires careful planning, preparation, and sometimes collaboration between dental specialists before the implant is ever placed.

The first step is a detailed diagnostic process. Patients can expect their dentist to take photographs, X-rays, and impressions or digital scans to create models of their teeth. These records allow the dentist, oral surgeon, and orthodontist to review the patient’s oral condition together and determine the most appropriate approach. In some cases, additional teeth may need to be extracted if they are severely compromised, ensuring a healthy and functional result.

At this stage, patients should ask themselves key questions before proceeding:

Do I like my smile?
Am I chewing food properly and efficiently?
Do I have crowding or spaces between my teeth?
How does my gumline look when I smile?

These questions help patients reflect on both function and aesthetics, which is important because once an implant is placed, it will not move with orthodontic treatment. If alignment issues exist, orthodontic treatment should happen before implants or permanent crowns are placed.

Unfortunately, one of the common mistakes made during treatment planning is failing to account for orthodontic considerations early on. Inadequate space for the implant, poor alignment, or untreated bite issues can complicate or even jeopardize implant success. This is why patients should proactively ask their dentist if an orthodontic consultation is advisable, especially when a plan for implants, crowns, or bridges is being presented.

Once the diagnostic phase is complete and any necessary orthodontic or preparatory work is done, the surgical phase begins. The oral surgeon carefully places the titanium implant post into the jawbone, setting the foundation for the restoration. After a healing period (typically three to six months) for osseointegration—the fusion of the implant and bone—the patient returns for placement of the abutment and the final custom crown.

Treatment timelines can vary considerably based on the complexity of the case and the need for adjunctive care like extractions or orthodontics. When done properly, with a well-coordinated team and clear patient involvement, the process results in an implant that not only replaces the missing tooth but restores function, balance, and confidence.