How the New Tooth Implant Process Works: 6 Key Steps You Should Know

At Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, California, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in tooth implant technology. Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution to replacing missing teeth, and the new implant process makes the procedure smoother and more efficient than ever. Here are six key steps to understanding how the new tooth implant process works.

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The first step is a comprehensive consultation with your dentist. We’ll assess your oral health and take digital X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate your jawbone and surrounding teeth. This allows us to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. We recommend a bone graft to ensure your jaw has enough bone density to support the implant. From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

2. Implant Placement Surgery

Once your plan is set, the next step is placing the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is done through a minimally invasive surgery, ensuring your comfort during the procedure. Titanium is used because it naturally fuses with bone in osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Depending on your needs, sedation options may also help you relax.

3. Healing and Osseointegration

Once the implant is placed, the healing process starts. Over the next 3-6 months, the titanium post will gradually fuse with the jawbone, securely anchoring the implant and ensuring it becomes a permanent part of your mouth. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing properly. During this phase, following your dentist’s care instructions is important to ensure optimal healing.

4. Placement of the Abutment

Once osseointegration is complete, we place the abutment, a small connector piece that links the implant to your custom crown. This step may involve a minor procedure to expose the implant. The abutment allows us to securely attach the crown, ensuring your new tooth functions properly and looks natural. After the abutment is placed, you’ll need a brief healing period before moving on to the next step.

5. Custom Crown Creation and Placement

Next, we create a custom crown to match your natural teeth. At Sonoma Smiles, we work with skilled dental labs to craft crowns with the right shape, size, and color. Once the crown is ready, we securely attach it to the abutment. The result is a fully restored tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile, both in appearance and function.

Before & After Results

6. Ongoing Care and Maintenance

The final step is ensuring the longevity of your dental implants through regular care. This includes routine check-ups and professional cleanings to maintain your implant’s and surrounding teeth’ health. Dental implants can last many years with proper care, providing a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Call Sonoma Smiles Today!

The new tooth implant process is an effective way to restore your smile with lasting, natural results. If you’re ready to replace missing teeth and improve your smile, Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, CA, is here to help. Call (707) 585-2555 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident, beautiful smile!

Dr. Wayne Sutton

Connect with Dr. Wayne Sutton on Linkedin

A renowned cosmetic dentist in Sonoma County, Dr. Sutton has over 20 years of experience and maintains a standard of excellence at his implant center using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.

Dr. Sutton received his postgraduate at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and his doctorate and three years of experience as a clinical instructor from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997, where he was the only one to receive the “Clinical Excellence Award”. He also studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group and earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.

Today, Dr. Sutton takes over 4 times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.