If you are considering a dental implant it would be nice to know a little bit more about the process of implant treatment, like it can take months to complete from start to finish. As with any successful dental treatment, your dentist must come up with a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient who presents with a missing tooth. This process will involve an exam, a full-mouth set of x-rays or panoramic film, and possibly study models. To determine if a patient is a good candidate for implant dentistry the doctor may take a 3D scan, or cone beam CT, of the area and use study models to make a stent or a mock-up of where the final tooth will be placed.
A CT scan will allow the dentist to view on their computer, in three dimensions if there is adequate bone to accept an implant and assess other anatomy affecting the implant placement. Now with study models, 3D image and a stent your dentist has a roadmap for placement of the implant. Our Planmeca CBCT Scanner helps Smile Design Dentistry make accurate diagnosis. If your dentist does not see the desired level of bone on the CT scan for an implant, they may recommend bone grafting to bring the jawbone to a level to create the best possible outcome for long-term implant stability.
In some cases, the desired site for an implant is just not very good or possibly there are other factors inhibiting implant placement. If you wait to find out, most likely the cost of your dental implant will be higher. You may ultimately have a site that is better for a traditional bridge. After reviewing your needs and clinical situation, your dentist will discuss this treatment option with you if that is in your best interest.