What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants provide a quality, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Before embarking on this restorative journey, you must know it will be long, requiring time and commitment. Equipping patients with the specifics of the dental process often helps them make the restoration decision most beneficial to their oral health.

Step one: Placement of the implant

Due to the nature of dental implant surgery, it is typically performed under local anesthesia, numbing only the treated area. However, sedation is also an option for patients who appear overly anxious about the procedure. The oral surgeon will work with the patient to provide a suitable form of anesthetic.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, taking only a minute or two, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone underneath. They will then create a small hole in the bone to screw in the implant. An oral surgeon uses careful precision to ensure the implant is in the correct place for optimal support and stability.

Step two: Osseointegration

Following the first appointment, the patient will enter a process known as osseointegration. After placing the implant, it integrates with surrounding bone and tissue over several months. During this time, the patient may have a temporary restoration to help them eat and speak comfortably. Still, the oral surgeon will likely recommend that the patient go on a restrictive diet of soft foods for added protection.

Step three: Abutment placement

Once osseointegration is complete, the patient will return to the office for the next phase. It involves placing a small connector or abutment on the implant. Its purpose is to hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place. The oral surgeon may need to make another incision in the gum tissue to access the implant, but this process is considered less invasive than the initial surgery. Another healing phase will follow suit; however, it will not be as long as the first, only lasting a matter of weeks.

Step four: Restoration

After the abutment is secure, the final step is to place the chosen restoration. Patients will have chosen between a dental crown, bridge, or denture during their consultation. The oral surgeon will take impressions or digital scans of the mouth to ensure the restoration is custom-tailored to fit the patient's mouth seamlessly. Once the restoration is complete, the oral surgeon will attach it to the abutment, providing a natural-looking, functional, and permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

Post-Surgery care

After the procedure, the oral surgeon will provide patients with detailed instructions on caring for their dental implants and restoration to ensure optimal healing and decrease the risks of dental implant failure. These instructions may include abstaining from tobacco use, certain foods (at least for a while), ideal oral hygiene habits, and any necessary follow-up visits with the oral surgeon or their regular dentist.