Direct answer
During implant placement surgery, the team confirms the site and plan, provides appropriate anesthesia, accesses the bone, prepares a controlled osteotomy, places the implant in the planned three-dimensional position, evaluates stability, performs indicated grafting, and manages the gum tissue and temporary restoration. The exact sequence varies by one- or two-piece design, extraction timing, anatomy, and grafting.
Key takeaways
- Implant position should follow the final restoration while respecting anatomy.
- Drilling must control direction, depth, heat, and tissue trauma.
- Primary stability and surgical findings may change loading or temporary plans.
- One-piece ceramic implants require precise restorative positioning.
- Instructions and emergency contact information should be provided.
Before placement begins
The team verifies identity, site, consent, health changes, medications, imaging, implant system, components, backup options, and the restoration plan. Anesthesia and any sedation require individualized assessment and instructions.
Preparing the site and placing the implant
Bone is exposed through a flap or limited access when appropriate. Sequential instruments prepare the site with irrigation and control. The implant is inserted to the planned depth and orientation, and stability and surrounding anatomy are evaluated.
Ceramic-specific considerations
Manufacturers specify insertion instruments, torque limits, handling, dimensions, and restoration protocols. One-piece position cannot later be corrected through a separate angled abutment. Two-piece connection and healing components vary by system and must be compatible.
Grafting, tissue closure, and temporary plan
A gap or ridge defect may be grafted. Tissue may be sutured around a one-piece component, healing abutment, cover screw, or provisional restoration. Immediate temporary restoration is used only when predefined stability, bite, and site criteria are met.
What patients should confirm
Confirm written care instructions, medication directions, diet and hygiene limitations, how to protect any temporary tooth, expected follow-up, and whom to call for increasing pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, drainage, numbness, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or a loose component.
Selected references
- International Team for Implantology. Implant placement and loading protocols: consensus statements. 6th ITI Consensus Conference, 2018.
- Gul A, et al. Zirconia dental implants; the relationship between design and clinical outcome. Journal of Dentistry. 2024;143:104903. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104903.