The first step in the dental implant process is to assess whether you are a good candidate. To do this, your dentist will discuss with you your general and oral health history. If you have advanced gum disease, some blood disorders, certain bone diseases, or poor-quality bone, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants in Edmonton.
To assess the state of your bone, a three-dimensional CBCT scan is often the tool of choice. It gives the dentist a detailed image of your jawbone, sinuses, and adjacent teeth, and helps with precise planning of your dental implant procedure, because it takes away any guesswork of where the implant should be placed. It will also help to determine if there is a need to add artificial bone material to an area where the bone density is compromised.
Once the implant is placed, it needs time to heal. As it heals, your jaw bone grows around it in a process known as osseointegration. This typically takes 4-6 months. During this time, the implant becomes an integral part of your body, as it fuses with your jawbone. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is topped with a dental crown.