By: Dr. Lahiru Chandraweera
December 12, 2022
Dental Implant Procedure
Are you considering a dental implant to replace a missing tooth or several teeth? If so, you may be interested in learning more about the dental implant procedure.
This blog post will provide much-needed information to help answer common questions about this treatment. We’ll look at how the process works and the steps of the dental implant process from start to finish.
By the end of this article, you’ll have your questions answered regarding getting a dental implant. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants play an important role in improving oral health and aesthetics by replacing a missing tooth or teeth. They are usually made of titanium, a metal compatible with the human body.
The titanium implants are placed into the jawbone during a dental implant procedure. They act as artificial tooth roots, supporting one or more artificial replacement teeth.
Implants offer superior strength, stability, and durability compared to conventional dental bridges or dentures. It is made up of three parts:
- The Implant – This is a titanium screw surgically placed in the jawbone.
- The Abutment – This connects the implant to the artificial tooth or teeth.
- The Artificial Tooth (or Teeth) – This could be a removable denture, bridge or individual dental crowns that replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant, placed directly into the jawbone. Meanwhile, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum, on top of the jawbone.
Both types of dental implants have their benefits and drawbacks. You must consult your dentist to see which type is right for you.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?
Having a dental implant procedure can seem daunting at first. However, most patients find the steps of the dental implant process relatively straightforward.
Dental implant placement typically involves at least two surgical procedures. There is a healing period of several months in between.
During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your medical history and oral health and discuss your needs. Then, imaging tests such as X-rays or CBCT scans may be taken to determine the ideal placement for the implants.
In some cases, additional surgeries may be necessary to prepare the area for implant placement. Depending on the quality of your jawbone and the degree of bone loss, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting or sinus lifts. Other dental procedures that may be required are gum grafts and tooth removal in cases of tooth decay.
Initial Dental Surgery
Your dentist or dental surgeon will place dental implants into your jawbone. This is usually done under local anesthesia. It makes the procedure comfortable and painless for the patient.
Typically, during the dental implant placement procedure, a small incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone. Then a dental drill is used to clean away a tiny portion of the jawbone for implant placement.
Next, special screws called dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone.
Afterwards, you’ll need to wait four to six months for osseointegration to take place. During this period of healing, the dental implants fuse with your jawbone to form a strong foundation for support.
During this time, temporary crowns or dentures may be recommended. This is to protect your newly-placed implant from any damage.
Second Dental Surgery
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return for abutment placement and your final dental implant restoration appointment. Another incision is made to expose the dental implant post. Then, your abutment will be attached to the dental implant. An impression of your implant abutment and gums will be taken to be used to fabricate your artificial teeth, which will be attached to the abutment once completed, revealing your new smile.
Following this step-by-step dental implant procedure should smooth out any bumps that may have felt pretty intimidating initially.
Do They Put You to Sleep for Dental Implant Placement?
Generally speaking, most dental implant surgeries can be completed with local anaesthesia. However, some procedures require patients to undergo sedation and anaesthesia for greater comfort and relaxation. This will allow your dental team to complete the necessary dental work in less time with minimal discomfort.
It’s important that your dental specialist or oral surgeon discuss the different types of anaesthesia and sedation options available during your dental implant placement appointment. This will help make sure that all safety protocols are followed for a more comfortable overall experience.
Are There Preparatory Procedures for Dental Implants?
Preparing for a dental implant procedure is key to a successful implant. The preparatory steps of the dental implant process vary depending on the patient. It is important to discuss them with your dentist or oral surgeon beforehand to review potential risks.
Generally speaking, preparatory procedures involve:
- Removing existing decayed or damaged teeth
- Evaluating existing bone and tissue structure in the mouth
- Making sure there’s adequate jawbone density and health to support dental implants
By following the preparatory procedures a dental professional outlines, patients will set themselves up for success with their dental implants.
How Long Is the Process for a Tooth Implant?
The process for a dental implant can take some time. The length of time depends on several factors.
Generally, the entire tooth implant procedure may range between 4 to 6 months. This includes:
- Consultation and evaluation
- Placement
- Recovery
- Follow-up
However, it will take longer if you need any preparatory work. Examples are bone grafts or jaw reconstruction.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Tooth Implant?
The timeline for how long a person can expect to recover from an implant varies greatly depending on various factors. This includes how many implants have been placed and how well someone adapts to their new dental implants.
Keep in mind that the healing process is different for everyone. Healing times can range anywhere from 6 weeks up to several months, depending on the person and their treatment plan.
Recovery requires patience and gentleness with your mouth afterwards. Aftercare should include the following:
- Avoiding hard foods
- Not drinking or smoking
- Good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing the remaining healthy teeth with special attention to those around the implanted area
- Eating soft foods
- Having regular checkups with your dentist
While recovery time from this form of dental treatment may be longer than other oral health procedures, the benefit of having a tooth implant will be worth it!
How Much Does a Dental Implant Procedure Cost?
Dental implant procedures are a great way to replace lost natural tooth roots. However, an important factor in considering this option is the cost.
On average, these procedures range from around $4,000 to $6,000. The cost varies depending on factors like:
- How many false teeth do you need
- The quality of implant materials used
- Geographical location
Therefore, it’s wise to ask your dental practitioner for an estimate that considers your unique situation and dental wants and needs.
With implants being long-term solutions for tooth loss, the amount spent upfront can be well worth the investment in maintaining oral health.
Final Thoughts
The dental implant procedure provides stability to prosthetic teeth. They also restore natural dental functions such as speaking, eating, and biting abilities, as if they’re real teeth. Dental implant placement is a long-term, reliable solution for missing teeth, as it offers superior strength compared to other dental options.
At Hills Family Dental Centre, our experienced dentists provide dental implant placement to improve your confidence and restore your smile and natural dental functions. Please book an appointment through our website or call us today to learn more about this life-changing procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to work the day after dental implants?
Generally, you should be able to return to light activity the day after the dental implant procedure is completed.
However, it is essential that after the dental implant placement, each patient should assess their well-being and levels of comfort before returning to work or other activities.
Some patients may experience discomfort and swelling for a few days following dental implant surgery. In such circumstances, it may be ideal to postpone the routine until these issues have been adequately addressed.
It is always recommended that patients seek advice from their dental team before deciding to return to work after dental implant placement.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant can, admittedly, be quite uncomfortable since it is an invasive procedure. While it is rarely described as an extremely painful experience, many people report some degree of discomfort or mild pain. The severity of the pain varies from person to person.
Luckily, dentists typically provide local anaesthetic or sedation to help with pain management. They will also prescribe over-the-counter pain medications to mitigate any lingering discomfort afterwards. Some dentists suggest applying ice packs to limit swelling around the area.
Is dental implant treatment possible despite having a periodontal disease?
A periodontal disease is a form of gum disease with an infection of the gum tissue and bones in the mouth. If not addressed, this can cause damage to your jaw bone and gums.
Having a periodontal disease doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot have a dental implant procedure. Teeth implants can be performed on patients who have lost most of their teeth due to periodontitis or periodontal disease.
This is made possible by recent advances in implant treatments and oral care and is supported by the results of a study published in the Journal of Advanced Periodontology & Implant Dentistry.
However, it is imperative that patients with periodontal disease get treatment for their condition before having dental implants. This is to prevent complications and increase the chances of dental implant success.
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are designed to last for many years, but the exact lifespan depends on various factors such as:
- The quality of dental care received
- The type of dental implant used
- Individual lifestyle habits
- Aftercare
On average, dental implants as tooth replacements can be expected to last between 10-15 years. They may even last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
