The Implant Procedure

Study models of the patient's jaws are necessary for the planning stage of an implant procedure, and are made from molds (impressions) of the mouth. A surgical stent is then made from the model to give to the dental surgeon a guide when placing the implant(s). An X-ray of the jaw is required, both individual (periapical) X-rays, and an X-ray of the entire mouth (panoramic). In some cases, a computer-assisted tomography (CAT scan) is advisable to give the dentist a more accurate representation of the amount of jawbone available for dental implants. The dentist will also need a clinical examination to determine if there is enough bone width to fit an implant. If the implant is being used to replace a single tooth, there needs to be adequate room between the existing teeth so that the implant does not damage the surrounding tooth roots.

If the X-ray or CAT reveals that there is not enough bone height to place the implant, a bone graft may be required. If the maxillary (upper jaw) sinus is in the area where implants need to be placed, a procedure called a sinus lift must be performed. If a bone graft or a sinus lift is required, the procedure becomes more involved. With a sinus lift procedure, a small window of bone is formed and the delicate membrane of the sinus is pushed up. Bone can then be grafted into the area where the sinus was. Many dental surgeons prefer to use bone from the patient (an autogenous graft) to add the needed jawbone height to place implants. The grafts are usually taken from the iliac crest of the hip, a different area of the jaw, or the skull.