Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you need to know what the procedure involves and what you can expect before and after surgery, especially if you’re considering implants. Well-executed dental implant surgery at Milestone Oral Surgery And Implant Center can bring a permanent, natural-looking solution for your smile and oral health. So, in this blog, we take you through the dental implant process and explain what you can expect during and after surgery.
The Dental Implant Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide:
- Initial Consultation and Planning:
Before you undergo dental implant surgery, your oral surgeon will assess the dental condition of your mouth. This includes checking your jawbone with X-rays or 3D imaging and determining if you are a good candidate for implants. With an understanding that this is a process you are working through, your oral surgery center will take time with you to work together and develop a treatment plan that ensures the process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
At this stage, your dentist will explain every detail of the surgery, share your health history, and let you know if you need anything before your surgery. Sometimes, a patient may need bone grafting to support their jaw bone enough to hold the implant.
- Implant Placement:
Your dental surgeon will give you anesthesia on the day of surgery so that you are comfortable during the procedure. Once numb, they will make a small incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. A hole is drilled into the bone where the implant post-titanium is placed, and this post serves as the root of your new tooth.
The gums are then stitched up, and you will be given instructions to follow during recovery. The implant would then require some time to fuse with the jawbone—a process known as osseointegration, which usually takes months. Such a period allows the implanted device to offer an excellent base for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment and Crown Placement:
Once the implant has sufficiently healed to become integrated with the jawbone, the abutment is placed. An abutment is a small connector placed above the gum line that supports the artificial tooth or the crown.
On the next visit to the dentist, impressions of your teeth are taken to create a crown that should resemble your tooth color and natural shape. After getting this crown, it is perfectly fixed onto the abutment to conclude the procedure.
Procedure following Dental Surgery after Implant
- Immediate Post-Surgery Care
Immediately after surgery, some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are typical. The oral surgery center will give you aftercare instructions, including prescribed pain medication and applying a cold compress to reduce swelling. You should rest well during this time to allow complete healing.
For a few days, it will have to be soft food, nothing too hot, crunchy, or spicy. Good oral hygiene is, of course, important, but avoid using floss or your toothbrush aggressively near the surgery site to prevent the healing process from delaying.
- Healing Period:
The osseointegration stage is also an important part of your recovery, and it may take three to six months, depending on the individual case. However, during this period, you will need to visit your dentist for follow-ups, during which they will monitor the growth of the implant.
Good oral hygiene should also be observed, and smoking habits should also be stopped since they delay the healing process. A dentist may also advise you to use antibacterial mouthwash, which will help clean the area and even reduce possible cases of infections.
- Long-Term Maintenance:
Once you get dental implants, proper oral health care will become essential to ensure their long-term success. Although dental implants are made to be solid and permanent, they still need regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
With proper care, dental implants should last a lifetime. However, you must avoid biting down on ice or on pens, as this can damage the crown. Your implant dentist Mission Viejo can give you personalized tips on how to properly care for your implants to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Dental implant surgery is indeed the suitable solution for replacing several missing teeth or restoring one toward a winning smile. Knowing more about the procedure and what to expect during and after surgery will prepare you even better for success. Discuss your dental implant options today with your local oral surgery center and take that first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
