Dental Implants Stage 1, 2 Explained

A lot of people are confused by the terminology “stage 1” (or part 1) and “stage 2” (or part 2)when it refers to dental implants. This blog entry intends to offer dental implants stage 1, 2 explained. Simply dental implants are typically made in two connecting parts: stage 1 and stage 2. Typically the stage 1 implant, also known as the main body of the implant, is surgically placed in the jawbone beneath the gums. This stage 1 implant is typically allowed to heal undisturbed below the gums for three to six months.

Later the gums is slightly opened after the appropriate healing time has elapsed. The stage 1 implant is exposed and the cover screw that protects the inner female threading is removed. Then the stage 2 implant is screwed to connect it to the stage 1 implant. It is this stage 2 implant that a patient will now see poking out through the gums.

The surrounding gums is usually allowed to heal for another two weeks after connecting the stage 2 dental implant. Then an impression is made of this area including the dental implant. A dental lab will then typically fabricate a porcelain crown of the appropriate color. Lastly the dentist has the option of either cementing the porcelain crown onto the stage 2 implant. Otherwise the dentist could also choose to screw the porcelain crown onto the stage 2 dental implant. Either way the result is a non-removable porcelain crown that looks like it is seated on a natural tooth.

Dental implants stage 1, 2 explained in two x-rays

Two x-rays of one dental implant. The first x-ray shows the “stage 1” dental implant that was placed in the jawbone beneath the gums. The second x-ray shows the “stage 2” dental implant connected to the “stage 1” dental implant. It is this stage 2 (or “second stage”) dental implant on which a porcelain crown will be subsequently fabricated and later cemented.

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Categorised in: Dr. Dorfman Says

This post was written by Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman