Dental Implant Surgery: What to Expect
Are you considering dental implants? Maybe wondering what to expect throughout the process, especially how long each step is going to take? Dental implants are one of the fastest growing solutions for replacing missing teeth permanently.
These implanted support posts are designed to securely hold a replacement fixture in place using a patient’s jaw bone as the anchor of support. Jaw bones are an excellent choice for dental implant installation, but they can be a challenge if the patient has poor bone quality.
What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant surgery may be unlike any surgery you may have had before. While most operations require check-in and a trip into the operating room, dental implants are performed as an outpatient procedure.
If you need to have teeth extracted before dental implants, your dentist may require multiple trips in order to remove the teeth. Then they will install the implant afterwards.
Likewise, if you have to get a bone graft due to inadequate bone tissue, your dentist will need that time for the graft. You won’t be able to receive dental implants until after it’s healed.
Although an implant surgery is more invasive than a standard tooth extraction, the process may be worth it for many patients. The procedure has less potential side effects associated with them and can allow you to save money on dental treatments over time.
The actual transplant of the implants will require cutting into gums in order to access bone within your mouth. However this does not present any significant downsides as long as safety precautions are strictly observed during the procedure.
Once the implant is securely in place, your dentist will use stitches to close off any open wounds. If you are having a full arch replacement, then there’s likely four implants on either top or bottom of the jaw.
Some dentists can offer you one day teeth replacements that are designed to work with the healing process. These include temporary dental implants, bridges or crowns which will be worn after the installation of the dental implants.
During the healing process, your implant and bone will become one through a fusion called osseointegration. Once the healing process is complete, you will receive an abutment that is attached to your dental implant.
Your dentist will need to wait until the soft tissue has healed once more before they can make a mold of your teeth and jaw for dental appliances, crowns, bridges or dentures. Dental implants are fast, have little discomfort, and offer a natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Recovery period for dental implants can vary from one patient to another. However, many patients typically recover in 1-2 weeks. For others, it might take 6 months or more. In general, the recovery process isn’t something that happens overnight and should not be rushed.
To get a dental implant, you must first have a consultation to determine if the dentist thinks that you are a good candidate. The process might be more complicated for some people and they may need additional procedures such as bone grafting.
Understandably, every patient’s dental implant procedure experience is different, but one thing remains the same: following your dentist’s aftercare instructions religiously is required to ensure a quick and proper recovery.
If you have any questions about implant dentistry or the dental implant process in general, it is recommended that you discuss everything with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to answer all of your concerns and questions especially in terms of what you can expect, the aftercare required, and the possible timeline.
