What is the process of getting a dental implant?

Dental implant surgery is a personalized process. It’s not the same for everyone. But the following gives a general overview of what you can expect your dentist, oral surgeon,  target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-identity=”link”>periodontist or prosthodontist to do:

• Place the implant surgically.
• Give you time to heal.
• Attach the post and final crown, bridge or denture.

Dental implant surgery

During dental implant surgery, your surgeon will:

• Give you anesthesia. This medication will numb your gums. If you choose sedation, your provider will give you those medications, as well.
• Create an incision. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gums. This exposes the bone underneath so your surgeon can place the implant.
• Prepare your jaw. Your surgeon will use a series of specialized instruments to create a small hole in your jawbone. They’ll widen the opening until it’s just the right size for your new dental implant.
• Place the dental implant. Next, your surgeon will carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
• Close the incisions. Finally, your surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.

If your implant is near the front of your mouth, your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear until you heal. That way, you won’t have a gap in your smile while you recover. If your implant is near the back of your mouth, you probably won’t need a temporary tooth. Your provider can tell you what to expect in your situation.

Healing phase (osseointegration)

During the healing phase, your jawbone should fuse to the dental implant. This process, called osseointegration, is critical for stability and long-term success. This process can take anywhere from three to nine months. In some cases, it may take longer. It depends on how quickly your body heals.

Placement of abutment and final restoration

Once your implant heals, your dentist can attach the abutment (small connector post) and your final restoration (crown, bridge or denture). This usually takes about one hour to complete and may require a second minor surgery.

How painful is getting a dental implant?

You shouldn’t feel any pain during your dental implant procedure because your provider will use medication to numb your gums. After your surgery, it’s normal to have slight discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help ease these symptoms.

Risks / Benefits

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Tooth loss changes the way you eat, speak and connect with the world around you. Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and offer benefits like:

• Better chewing ability.
• Enhanced smile.
• Improved speech and enunciation.
• Jawbone preservation.
• Longevity. (Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper hygiene and regular dental visits.)
• Stability for wobbly dentures.

Another advantage is that dental implants don’t require enamel removal like bridges do. To replace one missing tooth with a dental bridge, your dentist must alter (shave down) at least one tooth on either side of the gap. This can weaken your natural tooth structure over time.

A dental implant replaces your missing tooth without involving the neighboring teeth. It’s a one-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem.

What are the risks or complications of dental implants?

It’s normal to have slight bleeding and swelling after getting your implant. But like any procedure, dental implant surgery carries the possible risk of complications.

Complications are uncommon, but may include:

• Damage to nearby teeth.
• Delayed jawbone healing.
• Infection.
• Jaw fractures.
• Nerve damage.
• Severe bleeding.
• Sinus damage.

Very rarely, some people can have an allergic reaction to implants made of titanium. If this happens, a surgeon can replace them with ceramic implants.

When an experienced surgeon places implants, the risk of complications is minimal. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, be sure to find a provider you trust.

When should I call my dentist?

If you have a dental implant, call your dentist any time you notice:

• A loose or wobbly implant.
• Bleeding gums.
• Fever.
• Pus (infection) around the implant.
• Swollen gums.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck (occurring along with one or more of the above symptoms).