Steps of Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect From the Surgery
By Dr. Bhumit Shah
28th November 2022
8 mins read
Dental implants can give you back your smile and boost your confidence. However, you must understand the surgical process before deciding to get them. The procedure involves placing a metal implant into the jawbone, which can firmly support a dental prosthetic.
Dental implant treatment is a safe surgical procedure with a high success rate. It involves surgically placing an implant into the jawbone as the foundation for a replacement tooth.
If you’re considering dental surgery, it’s important to understand what happens during a dental implant procedure. This blog will walk you through what to expect from the surgery, from preparation to recovery. So, if you’re curious about dental implants and want to know more about the process, keep reading!
Contents
What Are the Steps of the Dental Implant Procedure?
The entire process of a dental implant treatment usually takes a few months to complete and involves the following:
- The first step in the dental implant process is obtaining X-rays or CBCTs, which provide a comprehensive view of the teeth and jawbone.
A dental bone graft may be necessary if the jawbone is not enough to support the implant. There are several types of bone grafting materials that can be used. - A small incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A titanium post will be embedded, and the gums will be closed with stitches.
- While healing, your implant will fuse with the surrounding bone. The healing time can take several months. In the meantime, you’ll need to stick to a diet of soft foods. This means avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could damage the implant.
- After the implant integrates with the bone, your dental surgeon will attach a small metal post, called an abutment, over the implant. This will serve as an attachment for the artificial tooth.
- Finally, replacement teeth, such as a dental crown, dental bridge or dentures, will be custom-made to attach to the abutment. These will serve as your artificial teeth and look and feel just like real teeth.
Are You Sedated During the Surgery?
The surgery to place an implant is usually quick and relatively painless, and most people report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. In most cases, local anesthesia is all that is needed to numb the area around the implant site. However, some people may opt to have sedation dental surgery, which uses medication to help you relax during the procedure. There are a few different types of sedation that can be used, and your dentist will work with you to choose which one suits you based on your level of anxiety and your medical history.
What Are the Possible Complications of Dental Implant Surgery?
Some complications associated with dental implant surgery include:
- Infection is the most common complication of dental implant surgery. It can occur if proper sterile techniques are not followed during the procedure or if the patient is not able to keep the wound clean after the surgery.
- Gum recession can also occur if the implant is too close to the gum tissue. Bone shrinks as gums recede. This may cause the implant to become loose as it loses its bone support.
- Nerve or tissue damage can occur if the dentist accidentally damages a nerve or surrounding tissue during surgery.
- Sinus issues can arise if an implant is placed too close to a patient’s sinus cavities.
- Damage from the excessive force on the implant can occur if the patient chews on hard foods or places excessive pressure on the implant while it is still healing.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Treatment Take?
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure. The time it takes to complete a dental implant treatment can vary greatly depending on the individual case. In general, the initial consultation and evaluation process can take one or two appointments, followed by an appointment for tooth extraction (if necessary) and placement of the dental implant. The implant then needs time to integrate with the jawbone, which can take several months. Once the integration is complete, an abutment will be placed, and the fabrication of the final restoration (such as a dental crown, bridge or denture) can be started. This can take a few weeks before it can be attached to your implant. The entire dental implant treatment can often take at least 3 – 6 months, but, in some instances, they can take a longer time.
Final Thoughts
A dental implant procedure involves dental examination and planning, placement of the implant post, osseointegration, attaching an abutment, and finally, placing the artificial tooth over the abutment. This process can take several months, but the results are worth it! With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are alternatives to dentures and bridges and have many advantages over other dental prosthetics. They’re strong and durable, and they look and feel like natural teeth. They’re also easy to maintain, and the surgery is an outpatient procedure.
At Dentalcare of Forrestfield, we have a team of highly experienced dental specialists, qualified oral surgeons, and periodontists that will customise your implant treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Implants have a lot of benefits, which is why they are a great option for tooth replacement.
- Improve Appearance:
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and are designed to function the same way. Dental implants are stable and will not slip or move as removable dentures can. - Preserve Facial Structure:
Because dental implants fuse with your jawbone, they help preserve your facial structure and prevent the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth. - Eat with Confidence:
Removable dentures often make eating difficult and uncomfortable. Dental implants allow you to eat your favourite foods comfortably and without pain. - Increase Comfort:
Dental implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. Dentures can rub against the gums and irritate them. Dental implants are embedded in your jawbone and will not rub on your gums.
Generally, maxillofacial surgeons and oral surgeons are the dental professionals who perform dental implant placement. They have completed additional training and education in surgical techniques, including dental implant placement. However, in some cases, a general dentist may receive additional training and education to place dental implants. In addition, periodontists specialise in managing and maintaining the structures surrounding the teeth, including bone and gum tissue, and may also perform dental implant surgery. Choosing the right dentist to perform your dental implant surgery is a crucial factor in the success of your treatment.
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly depending on the types and number of implants needed, additional procedures you may need, your dentist’s experience, clinic location and other factors. Here is the average cost of dental implants.
- Single-Tooth Implant usually ranges from $5,000 to $7,000.
- Implant Bridges used to replace multiple missing teeth can start at around $7,300 and go up to $12,500.
- Implant-Supported Dentures, which can replace an entire arch of teeth, may cost between \$15,000 to \$18,000.
- All-On-4 Implant, which replaces a full arch of missing teeth, can range from $21,500 to $36,500.
The prices listed above are only estimates. For more accurate pricing, please get in touch with Dentalcare of Forrestfield.
A dental implant is needed by someone who has one or more missing teeth. It is also recommended for patients looking for an alternative to dentures and patients who have suffered periodontal or gum disease wherein severe bone loss makes it difficult to retain other replacement teeth.
