Dental Implant Surgery

What it is, how to prepare for, and recover from it.

Dental implant surgery is a serious procedure, and it will make a big impact on your life. If you are considering dental surgery, you should ensure that you have the need, and are able to cope with the preparation and recovery.

What is dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery is the replacement of missing teeth with prosthetics. It is a surgical implant that is put into the jaw bone. The implant functions as the artificial root of a tooth. A tooth can then be attached to the top of the implant, meanwhile, the implant fuses with the jawbone over the course of several months. It is an effective replacement for missing teeth because the tooth stands on its own, and does not affect the other teeth around it (like dentures).

Getting a dental implant usually requires several appointments. There should be a consultation, an appointment to attach the implant, and another to place the tooth/bridge on the implant.

A dental implant replaces one tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth.

What alternatives are there?

Dentures

Dentures are a cost-effective measure of replacing all of the teeth in the mouth. The main drawback of using them is that they are inconvenient. They require outside cleaning, and they can affect the taste and feel of food in the mouth. They are also famous for making chewing more difficult than having natural teeth or implants.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges were the go-to for tooth replacement for a long time. They can be used to replace/fix multiple teeth. However, the main drawback of using a dental bridge is that there must be existing teeth for the bridge to use as support. This means that installing a dental bridge in a mouth with no teeth is impossible. It also means that the bridge can negatively affect the existing teeth.

Dental bridges are cheaper though, and it still may be the right option compared to implants.

Main benefits of dental implants

• Dental implants are put directly into the bone. They do not affect the teeth around them.
• Dental implants are versatile. They can replace one tooth, or a row of teeth. Implants can more easily replace difficult-to-reach teeth.
• The bridge or tooth placed on a dental implant can be replaced.
• Improved comfort/appearance.
• Easier chewing – especially compared to dentures.
• Durability – implants can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
• Speech performance. It is easier to talk with implants than with dentures or missing teeth.
• Success rates of dental implants stand at about 98%.

Drawbacks of using dental implants

• The jaw bone must have finished growing. This means most children/teenagers are not able to get dental implants. The titanium used in the implants fuses with bone, making it a permanent jaw fixture.
• Chronic diseases, like diabetes, might interfere with recovery from surgery. If you have a serious disease, dental implants may simply not be an option as your weakened body will not be able to recover well from the procedure.
• Smoking also slows healing form surgery. If you are a tobacco user or smoker, your odds of getting a post-surgery infection during the healing process are much higher than a non-smoker.

Getting a dental implant procedure

Pre-surgery

The dental surgeon will look at the area requiring the implant and also take x-rays. The jawbone will also be assessed.

When it is time for surgery the patient will be given local anesthetic. In the case of a long surgery, anxiety, or at patient request, the patient may also be given a sedative. If the patient is to have a sedative, he/she should not eat for 12 hours prior to the procedure.

Surgery

The problematic tooth/teeth will be removed first. Afterwords, a bone graft may be added to the jaw to ensure that there is enough material for the implant to attach to. This alveolar bone graft (using donated or synthetic bone) will take 2-6 months to heal.

If the tooth was already missing, a different type of bone graft is used. This onlay bone graft requires 6 or more months to heal.

On the upper row of teeth, a bone graft may not be possible or be limited. The upper mouth has much less space than the lower jaw.

Once the bone is healed and ready, it’s time for the implant to be installed. The titanium is drilled into the jaw and then a healing cap is placed over the implant. The gums are stitched up, and the healing process begins. The healing time depends on how much bone is present, so follow-up appointments will be necessary. Usually, the time is 2-6 months.

When the oral surgeon has decided that the implant location is healed, a special part will be connected to the implant with a  screw. It will take a mold of the surrounding teeth, so that a perfectly-fitting implant can be fabricated.

Once the new tooth has been made, it will be fit to the implant.

For further reading on your dental implant options, check out the Mayo Clinic’s dental implant page.

Recovery

You may experience swelling, bleeding, bruising and pain after the procedure. You will want to have soft and warm foods during recovery. Soup is a good option. You might also be prescribed medication or given over-the-counter medication for the pain.

After follow-up check-ups your dentist will advise you on cleaning (the same as regular teeth) and when you can begin using your new teeth normally.

Do you need a dental implant?

If you aren’t sure, or need more advice, we are happy to help. Josey Lane Dentistry has been serving the Carrollton Texas community for years. If you have any questions about whether you will want implants, dentures, or dental bridges, get in contact with us today.