Who performs the treatment? How is the treatment carried out? The initial examination is made by your dentist. He or she may install the implants and the abutments but it could also be performed by a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or a periodontist. Your new teeth are produced by your dentist in co-operation with a dental technician. How long does it take? With the Astra Tech Dental Implant System your treatment will be customized for your particular situation. Your dentist will determine your best treatment option and decide how long the treatment will take in your case. The exact duration depends on your health, the quantity and quality of your jawbone and the planned treatment. There are two different ways to have your treatment done. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure One-stage procedure 1. Examination and treatment planning 2. Implant installation with abutments 3. Healing period 4. Prosthetic procedure 5. Your new teeth are installed Two-stage procedure 1. Examination and treatment planning 2. Implant installation without abutments 3. Healing period 4. Abutment installation 5. Prosthetic procedure 6. Your new teeth are installed 1. Examination When you have decided to have dental implants, your dentist or the specialist will examine your gums, teeth and jaws. Your jawbone will be x-rayed to make sure there is enough bone. If there is insufficient bone, the question of bone transplantation may arise. Your general medical condition will also be evaluated. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure 2. Implant installation One-stage procedure The One-stage procedure means that there is just one operation. The surgeon installs the implants into the jawbone. The implants are protected by an abutment and the tissue is sutured around them. The surgical procedure is very gentle and takes about one to two hours. You can return home directly afterwards. Two-stage procedure The surgeon may decide a two-stage procedure would be in your best interest. After the installation of the implants, the gum is sutured to cover the implants during the healing period. In this case a minor second operation is needed, where a small opening is made in the gum for the abutments to be connected. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure 3. Healing period The exact duration of the healing period depends on the quality of your bone and the position of the dental implant. Depending on your personal situation, the healing period may be up to 3-6 months. Under favourable conditions you might have an even shorter healing time. Ask your dentist! While you are waiting, there are several alternatives for replacing your missing teeth with a temporary construction. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure 3. Healing period 4. The foundation for your new teeth Impressions of your jaws are taken to fabricate a model for the prosthetic restoration. A dental technician produces a crown, bridge or denture, which matches your other teeth in shape and colour. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure 5. Your new teeth are installed After the new teeth have been fabricated, they are attached to the dental implants. The process is completed by minor adjustments, and you will now have new teeth that feel and look like your own. One Stage Procedure Two Stage Procedure