How Do Dental Implants Integrate with Bone Tissue?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots to which a crown or a bridge is attached. Dental implant placement is a straightforward surgical procedure that has the extraordinary power to absolutely transform a person’s life, changing it radically for the better. 

But not every patient is the ideal candidate for dental implants. The healing process may not go smoothly, and the patient may not have the optimal outcome. What patients looking for an All-on-4 or teeth-in-a-day specialist in Lake Elsinore and other areas of the Temecula region need to understand is that the consultation process is essential in securing beneficial long-term outcomes and eliminating the risk of dental implant failure and other complications.

In order to ensure that these risks are eliminated, oral surgeons have a responsibility to discuss the state of their patients’ health at length before giving recommendations. 

They need to verify that the conditions are met for osseointegration, which is the fusing process that happens as a patient heals from dental implant treatment. Provided that all goes well and a patient is a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants, what is necessary for the dental implant to become a part of the gums and jawbone?

How does a dental implant integrate with the jawbone?

A dental implant serves the function of a missing tooth root, and the titanium in the implants fuses with the patient’s jawbone.

For a patient to be considered a suitable candidate for the procedure, some requirements must be met. For one thing, they have to have an adequate supply of healthy bone tissue. This reduces the risk that an implant may fail to integrate or heal.

There are two ways to place an implant:

• Dental extraction followed immediately by implant placement; 
• A 2-step process, step 1 being dental extraction followed by bone grafting, and step 2 being implant placement itself. There is a break between these two steps, as the bone graft may need up to 4 months to heal.

It also takes a period of time for a dental implant to integrate with the jawbone. The length of time needed for recovery mainly depends on the individual patient’s healing ability. A patient can facilitate the osseointegration process by brushing and flossing after every meal to keep the mouth clean. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral hygiene issues which may hinder recovery. 

How long does it take for a dental implant to integrate?

It takes several months for a dental implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. In an average scenario, dental osseointegration takes around 4 to 6 months to complete. The provisional or permanent dental bridge or bridges (depending on the stage of the All-on-4 procedure) can then be safely attached to the implant or implants, and the patient is free to chew on them without experiencing any issues.

What holds dental implants in place?

Dental implants have posts which are implanted into the jawbone, fixing them in place. Implants also have abutments, which are the metal parts. An abutment serves as a base for the crown, in case of individual implants, or a dental bridge, in case of All-on-4 implants.

There are two types of implant restoration: screw-retained and cement-retained. Most dental specialists prefer the first one, as it eliminates the risk of inflammation of the surrounding tissues which can contribute to implant failure. 

Time to visit a teeth-in-a-day specialist in Lake Elsinore and the area

As an efficient and cost-effective dental restoration option, All-on-4 dental implants is the ideal choice for many patients with failing or missing teeth, even those who have lost their teeth years before. Additionally, a dental implant procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive, but it can make a radical difference in raising a patient’s quality of life. No wonder many patients from Lake Elsinore and nearby areas turn to our Temecula practice inquiring about the inner workings of the All-on-4 concept.

However, before you make the commitment to undergo the procedure, you need an expert’s opinion, and that is the job for Dr. Tsvetov who will determine with confidence if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Dr. Tsvetov will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and be comfortable with your choice. On top of that, dental insurance can cover up to 50-60% of the cost of a dental implant.

The consultation, along with any X-rays, is free and absolutely private. Do not hesitate to book yours today.