What to Expect from a Dental Implants Procedure?

Getting dental implants is a multifaceted procedure meaning that there are many steps involved. During this initial stage, the dentist or oral surgeon will review your dental history, take steps involving X-rays of the teeth and jaw, and possibly conduct a CT scan to assess the condition of your jawbone. This thorough examination helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants and allows for the creation of a personalized treatment plan, this may also involve a review of your medical history.

Once the evaluation is complete, the next step is the surgical placement of the implant. This procedure involves making an incision, which creates an opening, in the gum to expose the bone, followed by drilling a hole into the jawbone where the implant post will be inserted. The implant is typically made of a material, that is biocompatible, that integrates well with bone tissue, such as bone grafting, dental cement, or titanium.

The healing process, known as osseointegration, is crucial and can take several months. As the implant fuses with the jawbone during this healing period, it begins to provide a stable environment for the artificial tooth to use as its foundation.

Once osseointegration is complete, the final steps involve placing an abutment and the permanent crown. After the gum tissue has healed in the placement of the abutment, the is secured onto the abutment, completing the dental implant process. It is important to remember this crown will be made to match your teeth in color, shape, and size to help disguise the implant.

The dental implant process is not fast, as it involves multiple stages with necessary healing periods between them which are important for the outcome of your oral health. After osseointegration is successfully achieved, the next step is placing the abutment, a small connector that attaches to the implant and holds the crown in place. Following this minor procedure, an additional healing time of a few weeks is usually needed for the gums to heal around the abutment.

The final stage is the placement of the custom-made crown, the crown is secured onto the abutment, and the dental implant process is complete. Overall, the entire process can take approximately five to nine months, but this timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and any additional procedures that may be needed, such as bone grafting.

The type of anesthesia used during a dental implant procedure is most commonly local anesthesia which is used to numb the specific area of the mouth and in this situation would be used for the area of the implant. This ensures that the patient remains awake but does not feel any pain in the targeted area during the procedure.

There is also sedation to help you to relax during the procedure that can be given. The amount of sedation can vary depending on the patient’s request, some patients may not want to remember the procedure and can be given more sedation, while some may be comfortable being cognitive of the procedure.

For more complex cases or patients with high anxiety levels, general anesthesia may be used. This type of anesthesia is typically reserved for extensive surgeries or situations where multiple implants are being placed at once since patients will be in a sleep-like state.

After a dental implant procedure, it is normal to experience minor pain and a level of discomfort as part of the healing process. Immediately following the surgery, you can expect swelling in the gums and face, which may last for a few days. Bruising around the implant site is also common and should gradually diminish within a week or so.

Pain at the implant site is typical and can usually be managed at home using the recommended pain relievers as recommended by your dentist or oral surgeon. In some cases, prescription pain medication may be provided to help manage more significant discomfort.

You might also experience minor bleeding at the implant site, particularly in the first two days following your procedure. Applying gentle pressure with gauze can help control this bleeding. Additionally, your dentist may recommend using an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling and/or alleviate pain during the initial recovery period. Contact us today or book your appointment online for a comprehensive consultation. We look forward to helping you restore your beautiful smile. We are conveniently located at 515 West Ave Suite R, Norwalk CT, 06850. We serve patients from Norwalk CT, Stamford CT, Westport CT, Darien CT, Rowayton CT, Wilton CT, New Caanan CT, Fairfield CT, and Bridgeport, CT.