Dental implant surgery: all you need to know
Dental implant surgery replaces missing teeth with natural-looking implants. Learn about the procedure and aftercare.
Dental implants are a popular solution for patients with missing or damaged teeth that are made to last a lifetime. And thanks to their stability, many patients find they’re a preferred solution to alternatives like dentures.
Whether you need a single implant, an implant bridge, implant dentures, or full-arch implants, the surgery is similar. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dental implant surgery, including the benefits, risks, and how to prepare. If you’re ready to explore dental implants, schedule an appointment at your local Aspen Dental office today.
What is dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a procedure in which a clinician replaces damaged or unhealthy natural teeth with artificial ones. During the procedure, the dentist will remove any damaged teeth and replace them with an implant. This consists of a titanium post as a secure base that bonds to the jaw bone and an abutment piece to which the artificial tooth adheres. Once healed, the dentist will complete the next step of the surgery by placing an artificial tooth on top, often a dental crown or bridge. Because of the healing required between the insertion of the implant and placement of the prosthetic, the dental implant process can take several months to complete.
Steps in dental implant surgery
A dental implant requires a multi-step process that can take months due to the healing that must occur between certain steps. The steps of the procedure include the following:
Consultation
During your consultation, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam that includes detailed scans of your mouth and jaw. The results, along with your dental health history, will help your dentist prepare a treatment plan for implants. At this time, your dentist will also discuss the cost of dental implants, which will vary based on the type of implant you’re getting and the material used to make the implant.
Pre-procedure work
Depending on the current state of your teeth, you may require one or several procedures before getting the actual implant. The most common pre-procedures are:
Your dental care team will work with you to schedule these procedures and ensure you’ve completely healed before moving forward with the dental implant surgery.
Prep and pain management
When you arrive on surgery day, your care team will get you settled in and prepare your mouth for surgery, applying pain management as needed. This will help ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure and do not experience pain during the upcoming steps.
Insert the implant
The dentist will create an incision in your gumline, according to your treatment plan, then place the implant or implants directly into the gums and through to the jaw. Because the implant acts as the tooth’s root, it must be as secure as possible. During the initial implant procedure, the dentist may place the abutment, the piece to which the crown or bridge will attach. If the abutment isn’t placed at this stage, a separate visit may be required before the final prosthetic is set.
Temporary crowns or dentures while you heal
On the day of your dental implant surgery, the dentist will arrange you with a temporary crown, bridge, or full prosthetic to ensure you’re leaving the office with a smile while you heal. Over the next few months, your mouth will heal, and your implants will bond with your jawbone. During this time, you’ll check back in with your dentist to confirm when you’re ready for your permanent smile.
Some patients may be eligible for a one-day dental implant, during which they receive their permanent prosthetics. Speak with your dentist to see if you qualify.
Finalize your smile
Here is how the final part of the dental implant process works with the following types of implants:
Single implant: When you return to the dentist after your mouth has fully healed, your care team will take an impression, which will be used to create your custom implant. Once the prosthetic is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth, and you can begin to get used to your dental implant. During the first few weeks, you may need to modify your diet to include softer foods and practice speaking with your new implant.
Implant bridges: The gums and bone surrounding your implants will heal over several months, ensuring a stable foundation for the bridge. After your initial healing process is complete, your doctor will attach the custom-made bridge to the implants, filling the gap of your missing teeth.
Full arch implants: During the healing process, your implants will completely fuse to your jawbone, which can ensure stability for the final full arch. After you recover from the dental implant surgery, your dentist will take impressions to create custom prosthetic teeth. Once the new arch is ready, the teeth will be placed on your implants and adjusted to make sure your bite is aligned.
Your dental care team is there to support you as you adjust to life with implants.
Why would someone get dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is an invasive dental solution that requires much thought and planning. The procedure may make sense for people who have:
1. One or more missing teeth
2. Trouble speaking due to missing or damaged teeth
3. The need for a permanent solution to tooth loss
4. A shifting smile due to gaps in teeth
5. An inability or lack of desire to wear traditional adhesive dentures
Who is a good candidate to get dental implants?
Dental implants are a dental solution that works best for a certain kind of patient. You might be a good candidate for dental implants if:
You’re dissatisfied with your removable dentures and want something more permanent and stable.
You’re struggling with smiling confidently because of missing or damaged teeth and are ready for a permanent fix.
You have a healthy jawbone with bone density that can support the titanium implants.
You have good oral health habits and are willing to take care of implants after the procedure.
You’re in good physical health and have no history of an uncontrolled chronic disease like diabetes, which could impact your ability to heal.
You don’t smoke or drink alcohol excessively.
Risks associated with dental implant surgery
As with any surgery or medical procedure, there are risks involved with dental implant surgery. But it’s important to note that dental implants are generally safe, with a 98% success rate. Even so, you should be aware of risks, which may include the following:
Healing issues: Dental implant surgery relies on your implants and bone fusing together. Although rare, if this healing doesn’t take place for some reason, it could cause a need for subsequent procedures or removal of the implant.
Infection: Any time you open an incision, especially somewhere with as much bacteria as the mouth, it could result in an infection. Your dentist will provide you with care tips and antibiotics as needed. However, you’ll want to notify your care team immediately of any lasting pain, swelling, or abnormal drainage.
Sinus or nerve damage: Your dentist will take several X-rays prior to the surgery to limit the likelihood of disrupting nerves or sinuses during implant placement. Your dentist can provide additional information about these risks and ways to mitigate damage should it occur.
Your doctor will go through all the risks associated with dental implants with you prior to treatment.
Note that many of these risks are uncommon and can be decreased dramatically under the attention of a highly skilled clinician.
Benefits of getting dental implants
There are several benefits of dental implants that may drive your decision to explore the procedure. Benefits may include:
Tooth stability can promote better, more efficient chewing.
Creation of a natural smile that stays in your mouth 24/7, unlike dentures or traditional crowns and bridges.
Improved overall oral health and prevention of gum infections due to replacing missing teeth.
Support for facial structure and improved jawbone health.
Increased confidence in a smile that feels naturally yours and allows you to live life more freely.
How to prepare for dental implant surgery
There are several things you can do to prepare for implant surgery and increase your odds of a successful outcome:
Plan for nutritious, soft foods after surgery, including mashed potatoes, smoothies, eggs, and protein shakes.
Have extra supplies like gauze, pain medications, ice or heat packs, and towels at home.
Know what to avoid in the first few days post-surgery, including smoking, brushing, exercising, and drinking with a straw.
When in doubt, ask your care team about anything you normally do but might need to avoid.
What to expect after dental implant surgery
In the days immediately following the procedure, you should listen closely to the directions from your dental care team. They’ll share explicit instructions on activities to avoid, such as exercising and smoking, and what types of foods you should eat and avoid eating. They’ll also inform you about common side effects, which may include:
Pain
Bleeding
Swelling
Bruising
If you experience any side effects that aren’t anticipated, it’s important to reach out to your dentist immediately.
Dental implant surgery FAQs
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Many patients are concerned about whether dental implants are painful; some even let the fear of pain stop them from having the surgery. However, the benefits of dental implant surgery often outweigh any pain you might experience.
How long does dental implant surgery take?
Dental implant surgery takes only a few hours; however, the healing process takes several months. While your mouth heals, you’ll receive temporary teeth to ensure you’re never without a smile.
How much time does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
Recovery time after dental implant surgery will vary depending on several factors, such as whether you get a single tooth implant or full arch implants. Integration into the jawbone will continue for up to six months following the procedure. Ask your doctor to get clarity on recovery time for your procedure.
What are the types of dental implants?
There are several types of dental implants, the two most common being endosteal, placed directly into the jawbone, and zygomatic, anchored in the cheek. Someone with severe bone loss in the jaw could be a good candidate for zygomatic implants.