The Surgical Procedure For Dental Implants
The process of placing a dental implant typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time needed can vary depending on the patient. During the procedure, the surgeon will focus on detail and ensure accuracy.
Before the surgery, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Additionally, for added comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be offered. These options will be discussed during your consultation appointment. To numb the area where the dental implant will be placed, a local anesthetic will be given.
Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery
The healing process will now begin, and the duration may vary depending on the quality and quantity of your bones. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately after placement. Your surgeon will provide guidance on follow-up care and timing. After the initial healing phase, a short follow-up visit will be scheduled where the surgeon will place an abutment or healing cap on the dental implant. This will help the gum tissue mature and provide access to the implant.
In certain situations, impressions may be taken during the implant placement to prepare the crown in advance for when the implants have fully healed. The length of time it takes for your mouth to heal depends on different factors. Typically, you will need one to four follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and determine when you can proceed with the restorative phase of your treatment.
If necessary, a soft tissue graft can be performed to obtain stronger, easier-to-clean, and more natural-looking gum tissue around the implant. This involves transferring a small portion of gum tissue from one area of your mouth to the implant site. It is usually a quick and relatively painless procedure.
Whether you are replacing one tooth or all of your teeth, your dentist will fit the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
When Are Dental Implants Typically Inserted?
Typically, implants are placed a few months after tooth extraction. However, in some cases, immediate implant placement is possible, although it carries a slightly higher risk. Immediate placement eliminates the need for another appointment, but it is not recommended if there are any infections or bone issues.
When a tooth has been missing for a while, the surrounding bone that supports it tends to become thinner and shrink. This occurs because the natural tooth's root is necessary to stimulate the bone. Within a year after tooth extraction, up to one-third of the jaw's thickness can be lost. If there is insufficient bone, additional bone grafting may be necessary to ensure proper support for the implant when it is placed in the jaw.