Overview of Implant Placement
You’ve heard of dental implants and maybe you’re even considering them as an option for yourself or a loved one, but you want to better understand how dental implants work and why they are an excellent option for missing teeth and oral health.
Let us walk you through the process of dental implant surgery and what to expect for the healing process as well.
Dental Implant Surgery Process
Dental implant surgery varies greatly for each individual. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes to place an implant for a single tooth. In the case of multiple implants, the procedure could take several hours, but will most likely be limited to 2-3 hours.
Understand that this is an average scenario. Each implant scenario is unique. Your implant solution could require multiple appointments or procedures to get to the end result. The condition of your teeth and the overall health of your gums and jawbone can play a major role in surgery times and required appointments.
We begin every experience with a consultation, in which we discuss your oral situation. We will cover the various options that may be involved as well as the process. We will make recommendations based on your situation and what will best meet your needs.
How The Procedure Works
The procedure begins with numbing the area. At your consultation, we determine which anesthetic is best for you and whether a sedative may be required. At the time of the implant procedure, the surgeon has crafted an implant for you.
Once you are properly numbed and sedated, the surgeon makes an incision into your gum tissue and sculpts an area for the implant. The surgeon then inserts the implant. The implant may be covered by gum tissue if your surgeon decides it will work best. Generally, only one implant is required per missing tooth, as they can be various sizes to fit the area.
The surgeon will then suture and close the incision as required. The final piece at times can be inserted in the same process. This also varies by situation. The area may need to heal and be given time to strengthen before the permanent crown fixture is added.
How Long Will I Have to Wait Between Extraction and Final Implant?
It is possible that the final part of the implant will be able to be placed immediately after the extraction, but in some cases, it can take months for your gums and jawbone to heal properly in order to be able to support the implant.
The timeline needed to get from start to finish can vary for each patient. Factors that are considered in the timeline include how long the tooth socket has been empty, how strong the gums and bone are, and whether there could be an infection in the area.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
Every dental implant surgery is unique, and healing could vary based on your overall health, age, and bone strength. It is possible that the next phase of the implant could be completed immediately. However, in some cases, your gums and jawbone could take weeks or even months to strengthen properly.
Your surgeon will discuss with you the process and timeline you can expect for your implants. After initial healing, the abutment will be attached so that the final permanent crown may then be attached for the final layer.
Your healing process is highly monitored by your surgeon and could include anywhere from 1 to 4 follow-up appointments as you work through the stages of restoration and healing. The crown attachment is the final step and is not inserted until the area is strong and stable.
Once the process is complete, you have one or several new teeth that function fully as teeth and will last you for years to come!
We assure you that while this may be a long process; it is well worth it to reward yourself with a full smile and to protect your mouth from experiencing further deterioration that could lead to sagging features or further oral health problems.
Take care of your missing teeth as quickly as possible to avoid losing more teeth and to keep your smile bright!