Step by Step Process for Patients Preparing for Implant Treatment

Click here to download our Implant Timeline as a PDF

  1. General Dentist refers patient to Dr. Hart/Dr. Keith for Extraction(s) and Bone Graft or Sinus Lift treatment.
  2. Patient calls CROMFS to schedule initial consultation for Extraction(s) and Bone Graft or Sinus Lift treatment.
  3. Patient visits CROMFS for initial consultation and reviews procedure and treatment plan with Dr. Hart/Dr. Keith. Once consult is finished, patient schedules surgery date before leaving appointment for Extraction(s) and Bone Graft or Sinus Lift.
  4. Patient arrives for surgery on scheduled date to receive Extraction(s) and Bone Graft or Sinus Lift.
  5. Two weeks after surgery is complete, patient returns to CROMFS for a post-operative appointment. Patient is examined for proper healing and is schedule for a minimum of 3.5 months to schedule Phase 1 Implant Consult(typically a maximum of 1 year).
  6. Four months later, patient receives phone call from CROMFS to schedule Phase 1 Implant Consult.
  7. Patient returns to CROMFS for Phase 1 Implant Consult where Dr. Hart/Dr. Keith reviews the step by step process of receiving an implant and the treatment plan. A 3D CT scan is taken at this consultation appointment to evaluate the bone and to show the patient the anatomy and potential for implant placement at the given location. Before leaving the appointment, the patient will determine a date for Phase 1 Implant Surgery. 
    • Occasionally, in more complex cases, an intraoral scan will be taken which is used to plan a specific guide.  The guide proves exact placement for the implant during surgery.  The guide resembles a mouth guard which will be placed on the teeth during surgery.
  8. Patient comes to CROMFS for Phase 1 Implant Surgery. After the implant is placed by Dr. Hart/Dr. Keith, he/she will measure the stability of the implant with a tool called an ISQ (Implant Stability Quotient). The ISQ is a radiofrequency measuring device used to generate a number which correlates to the stability of the implant. Depending on the stability of the implant, the patient will receive one of the following to cover the implant:
    • A Healing Abutment: If a healing abutment is placed, there will be no Phase 2 Implant Treatment needed. The patient will heal for 3-4 months and at that time return to their General Dentist to begin the restorative phase/ crown fabrication.

      OR

    • A Cover Screw: If a cover screw is placed, the patient will need Phase 2 Implant Treatment. The patient will heal for 3-4 months and then return to Dr. Hart/Dr. Keith to have the cover screw removed and a healing abutment placed. This is a minor procedure completed with local anesthesia. The patient then heals for 2 weeks and returns to their General Dentist to begin the restorative phase/crown fabrication.
  9. Once the patient receives their crown from the General Dentist, the Implant and Restorative Phases are complete.