A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Surgery

11 January 2024

Oscar Allen

Dental implant treatment offers a permanent solution for missing teeth, restoring both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. If you're considering this procedure, it's essential to understand what to expect during your dental implant surgery.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process step by step, providing you with a clear understanding of what will happen during your treatment.

Initial Consultation

Before your dental implant surgery, you will have an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you're a suitable candidate for dental implants. They will also discuss your treatment plan, including the number of implants needed and any necessary preparatory procedures, such as bone grafting.

Preparatory Procedures

If bone grafting or any other preparatory procedures are required, your dentist will schedule them before the implant surgery. These procedures help ensure that your jawbone is strong enough to support the implants successfully. Your dentist will discuss the details of these preparatory procedures during your initial consultation.

Implant Placement

On the day of your implant surgery, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. They may also offer sedation options to help you relax during the procedure. Once you're comfortable, the dentist will make a small incision in your gum to access the jawbone. They will then carefully place the titanium implant into the bone.

Healing Period

After the implant is placed, a healing period is necessary for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the process where the jawbone fuses with the implant, providing a stable foundation. The duration of the healing period can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on individual healing abilities. During this time, a temporary crown or denture may be provided to restore aesthetics and functionality.

Abutment Placement

Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, you will return to the dentist for the placement of an abutment. The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the final prosthesis. It is attached to the implant, protruding above the gumline. The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a customized crown or prosthetic tooth that will attach to the abutment.

Final Restoration

Once the dental laboratory constructs your final restoration, you will return to the dentist for its placement. The dentist will attach the crown or prosthetic tooth to the implant via the abutment. They will ensure that the restoration fits properly and provide you with instructions on how to care for it.

Post-Procedure Care

After your dental implant surgery, it is crucial to follow proper post-procedure care instructions provided by your dentist. This typically includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and attending regular dental check-ups for routine maintenance of the implant.

To learn more about getting a dental implant treatment, reach out to a local dentist.

Share

About Me

I grew up in a home with parents who did not insist on good dental hygiene. By the time I was old enough to know better, some damage had already been done. I had many cavities, crooked teeth, and some discoloration on my teeth. I knew it would not be easy to take my smile from where it was to where it is today, but I was determined to finally have nice teeth. I visited a dentist who was very nice and never judged me. We made a dental plan together. Spreading the procedures out over time made it much easier to afford them. I now have almost perfect teeth after all that hard work! I created this blog to help others who have dental problems that stem from bad childhood habits know there is hope! It is never too late to start seeing the dentist!