Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth restoration. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to know what the procedure entails and how to prepare for a successful installation.
This blog post will outline the steps involved in installing dental implants and provide tips for securing a positive outcome. Read on to know more!
Contents
- 1 What Are the Steps of Dental Implant Surgery?
- 2 How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
- 3 Who Can Perform Dental Implant Procedures?
- 4 What Can You Expect After Dental Implant Treatment?
- 5 Final Thoughts
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Are dental implants covered by Medicare?
- 8 Is dental implant surgery safe?
- 9 Are you put to sleep for dental implants?
- 10 Who can get dental implants?
- 11 How much does dental implant treatment cost?
What Are the Steps of Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. The treatment involves a series of dental procedures spread out over several months. Additionally, the procedural steps will depend on the type of implant you need and the jawbone’s condition.
Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during dental implant surgery.
Initial Consultation
Patients interested in tooth implants can visit the clinic to determine whether they are good candidates for the treatment.
During this consultation, a comprehensive examination is performed on the patient, and a complete recording of their medical history is completed. Your dentist must determine whether your current health status is suited for the treatment.
Dental imaging, like x-rays scans, will be taken to determine whether you have the sufficient bone density to support the dental implant.
Surgical Preparation
For some patients, additional procedures may be required to prepare them for dental implant surgery. These preparatory procedures help them qualify for the dental implant procedure by improving the conditions of the concerned area.
Commonly, these procedures are for jawbone preparation, used to add to the bone volume and density to give the implant a better chance of fusing with it. These procedures include:
- Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to areas of the mouth. Bone loss results from tooth loss, and alveolar bone will resorb once the tooth attached to it is lost. Bone grafting gives bone tissue a conducive environment for growth.Bone graft materials are placed in the area of bone loss, and they will eventually fuse with the existing bone. This fusion process can take several months, but it is essential for the success of the procedure. Bone grafting can provide a foundation for dental implants, and it can also help preserve the natural shape of the jawbone.
- Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. It’s indicated when severe bone loss is evident on the maxilla or an enlargement of the maxillary sinus is found.
A sinus lift aims to create enough bone height in the upper jaw so dental implants can be placed without puncturing the sinus. Recovery from a sinus lift usually takes a few weeks, but it may take several months for the new bone to fuse with the existing bone.Other procedures that your dentist may require as part of the preparation stage include gum grafts and tooth extraction.
Initial Surgical Procedure: Dental Implant Placement
Prior to the first incision, the patient is given anesthesia to keep them comfortable throughout the procedure. The initial surgical procedure involves the placement of a titanium implant which will serve as the artificial tooth roots for the prosthetic teeth.
The oral surgeon makes a clean incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. Then, the implant’s metal rod is screwed into the bone. The gums will be stitched to close the incision site. For aesthetic purposes, a temporary denture can be made for the patient while they recover from the procedure.
Second Surgical Procedure: Abutment placement
Following sufficient bone healing time, the patient will come back for a second surgical procedure to install the abutment. This component of the dental implant acts as the connector between the implanted metal screw and the replacement tooth.
The gums will be incised to expose the implant. Then, the abutment will be placed. Once the gum tissue is stitched back into place, a part of the abutment will be seen protruding from the gum line. This is where the replacement teeth will be attached.
Dental Prosthesis Installation
Depending on the conditions of the case, the oral surgeon may opt to attach the dental prosthesis during the same visit as the abutment placement or during a separate procedure. The latter is preferred as a precaution if any complications arise during the previous surgeries.
The prosthesis most commonly refers to a dental crown but may also be a dental bridge or denture. Patients with existing removable dentures may even opt to convert these to attach to their dental implants.
How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
Dental implant surgery is a treatment used to replace missing teeth by inserting artificial titanium roots into the jawbone. The procedure can take 1-2 hours, depending on how many implants are being done, which tooth or teeth they are replacing and where in the mouth they are located. Generally speaking, single implants inserted into the front portion of the mouth will take less time than those placed at the back of the mouth.
During the second implant surgery, wherein the abutment will be placed, the procedure may take an hour or less. Although again, this time frame may be extended depending on additional procedures needed.
Who Can Perform Dental Implant Procedures?
Dental implant surgery is a common procedure that different dental professionals can perform. If you are considering having dental implants placed, it is important to consult a dental professional with extensive experience performing this surgery. Some professionals who are trained to perform this procedure include:
- Oral surgeons.
These professionals undergo four years of additional training, and they specialise in surgery and complex procedures. - Periodontist.
These dental specialists specialise in gum disease. They deal with prevention and treatment with a strong focus on dental implant installation. - Prosthodontist.
These dental professionals deal with prosthetic dental procedures (crowns, bridges, dentures and implants), which replace missing teeth. - General dentist.
These professionals are qualified but may not have the same level of specialised training. For complex cases, they may refer the patient to a dental specialist.
What Can You Expect After Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implant surgery is a big decision. If you are considering undergoing such a procedure, it is important to know what to expect after the dental implant process. While every patient’s experience is different, there are some general things you can expect after your surgical procedure.
Normal Side Effects
You may experience discomfort and swelling following dental implant surgery, but this should subside within a few days. Minor bleeding or bruising in the area can also be expected. If these symptoms worsen during your recovery, we recommend contacting your dentist or dental surgeon.
Possible Complications
Following this dental procedure, one should look out for possible signs of complications. Although rare, they may arise due to the invasive nature of the surgical process. When they do, you can expect them to be easy to manage and not of any serious consequence. These minor complications include:
- Post-operative infections.
This is characterised by fever, nausea, and chills. Patients may also complain of swelling and pain at the implant site. - Soft tissue injury.
During oral surgery, the structures surrounding the implant site may suffer damage. Commonly affected structures include blood vessels and gum tissue. - Neuropathy.
You may experience numbness and tingling along your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin. - Sinus problems. Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by dental implants that protrude into the sinus cavities in the upper jaw.
- Implant failure.
The most common symptom of dental implant failure is the excessive movement of the implant. Other symptoms include receding gums and excessive pain and swelling at the site.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant surgery is a dental procedure that can bring about a wide range of benefits. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications that patients should be aware of. By understanding what happens during the entire treatment process, patients can make the right decision and prepare adequately for their surgery.
If you’re considering dental implants and want to learn more about the procedure or book an appointment, please visit our website or call Absolute Smiles Bassendean today. We look forward to helping you achieve your perfect smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants covered by Medicare?
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Is dental implant surgery safe?
Are you put to sleep for dental implants?
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if you’ll be put to sleep for the procedure.
In most cases, patients are not put to sleep for dental implants. However, you will be given anaesthesia to help you relax and manage any pain during the surgery. There are several anesthesia options for patients undergoing dental surgery. Depending on your preference and the implant treatment plan, your dentist will recommend a viable option to keep you comfortable during the entire process. These anesthesia options may include:
- Local anesthesia
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia
If you’re still feeling nervous about dental implant surgery, sedation can help you relax. Your dentist can discuss these options with you and help you decide if they’re right for you.
With any dental surgery, it’s important to feel comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. You should not hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns about your dental care.
Who can get dental implants?
To qualify for dental implant surgery, a patient must:
- Have lost one or more teeth due to decay, trauma, and damage
- Have sufficient jaw bone density
- Have healthy gums
- Be committed to oral hygiene and regular dental visits
- Be willing to quit smoking
- Have good overall health, free from medical conditions that can interfere with the healing process (such as diabetes and cancer)
How much does dental implant treatment cost?
A common choice for patients who have lost teeth is to get dental implants. There can be a wide range of costs associated with implants depending on the location, type, and other factors. A single dental implant usually ranges from $4,000 to $6,000. To get a precise estimate of the cost of your dental implant treatment, we recommend contacting your dentist.
