After reviewing your dental history and performing a physical exam, the oral surgeon will obtain panoramic X-rays and 3D cone beam CT to ensure that you have sufficient bone for implants. If not, a bone graft is usually performed to add bone to deficient areas.

After the graft heals, the implant is added to the jaw bone. It is left to fuse for 3-6 months.

What is the Procedure?

The dental implant process typically involves multiple surgical procedures. Your dentist will begin with a comprehensive exam. They will take X-rays and teeth models, and review the condition of your mouth, gums, and jawbone. This evaluation will determine whether you have adequate bone material to support an implant. If not, they will suggest a bone graft or other procedure to strengthen the area.

You will also need to be free of periodontal (gum) disease and have enough healthy gum tissue to protect the area. Severe gum disease may disqualify you from receiving an implant because it damages the jawbone and surrounding teeth.

If the doctor plans to use sedation, you will need someone to drop you off and pick you up for the appointment because you won’t be allowed to drive while under anesthesia. You should stock up on soft foods like pudding and ice cream, and avoid tobacco and other stimulants because they can trigger inflammation at the surgical site.

How Long Will It Take?

When you first come in to get an implant, our doctor will do a comprehensive exam. This may include dental x-rays and 3D images. This is to double-check that your gums and jaw are healthy enough to support an implant.

Then, we will do a bone graft (if necessary). This involves transplanting bone tissue from elsewhere in your mouth or even from synthetic materials. Depending on the severity of your graft, this can take days or months to complete.

We will then place the abutment, which connects your replacement tooth to the implant. This requires minor surgery to open up the gums and place it.

After 1-2 weeks, we will schedule your final appointment. At this time, we will remove the healing collar or temporary tooth and check that the implant is secure. After this, we will bond it into place permanently to complete the procedure. This can take a few hours to a day, but it is worth the wait.

What Can I Expect?

You may experience pain, bruising, and swelling after the procedure. You can manage these symptoms by taking over-the-counter painkillers. You may also be advised to rest for a while after the surgery.

After your surgery, avoid chewing on the implant site until it heals completely. It is also advisable to avoid eating hard or sticky foods like peanuts, popcorn, and caramel taffy, since they may damage the implant.

You should also avoid drinking from a straw and consuming hot liquids. Instead, opt for nutritious and healthy options such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, cold soup, and yogurt. Drinking these fluids helps prevent putting excessive pressure on the surgical site.

What Can I Do to Prepare?

The first step is scheduling an initial consultation with the dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the patient’s oral health and review their medical history to determine whether they are a good candidate for dental implant surgery.

The patient will also learn more about the procedure, including costs, appointments, recovery time, and more. The dentist will provide a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs and goals.

Getting enough rest will help the mouth heal after the surgery. Patients should try to schedule the surgery during a time when they won’t have major events scheduled for at least three days following the procedure. It is also a good idea to stock up on foods that are easy to chew, such as soup, pudding, and ice cream.

Patients should make sure they have a ride home from the surgery, as sedation can affect their ability to drive. They should also arrange for a few days off work, or request time off from their employer.