Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth, but the treatment does involve oral surgery, so knowing what to expect before dental implant placement can be helpful. Each patient has a unique experience, but there are certain expectations that patients can have before oral surgery for implant placement.
Dental implant oral surgery involves accessing the jawbone and placing the implant inside the jaw. This process requires a minor oral surgery and recovery. The following is a review of dental implant placement oral surgery and what to expect before, during and after the surgical procedure.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone to serve as the root for the replacement tooth (crown, bridge or denture). They provide a long-term solution to tooth loss, but many are scared away by the thought of a surgical procedure. However, the placement of the dental implant is typically not as invasive as patients might expect. The oral surgery procedure involves drilling a hole into the jawbone, placing the dental implant and sealing the area. The patient is typically under sedation and does not feel much, if anything, during the procedure.
The typical dental implant placement oral surgery process involves accessing the underlying bone above or below a missing tooth (or teeth), drilling a small hole to place the dental implant and fixing the implant into the proper position. The procedure can be completed in a single dental visit. Some discomfort is likely to exist after the sedation wears off, but there should be little to no discomfort during the procedure. It can take several months for the dental implant to fuse together with the jawbone. After that, a second procedure (a far less invasive one) is scheduled to place the abutment and the restoration.
The mouth is likely to be sore, and minor bleeding may occasionally occur for several days following the placement of the implant. Much of the initial discomfort can be managed by taking anti-inflammatory medication and using gauze to control any minor bleeding. The dentist typically also provide dietary instructions, and patients are encouraged to eat a diet of soft foods and drink water throughout the day during the recovery process.
Before dental implant placement oral surgery, the patient must have enough jawbone. If bone loss occurs as a result of tooth loss, then the dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure, which is a minimally invasive form of oral surgery. This procedure ensures that there is enough healthy bone to support the dental implant long term.
You can learn more about dental implant placement oral surgery by giving our team a call today to set up a consultation visit. We can address your concerns and help you understand the complete placement process.
Request an appointment here: https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com or call Highlands Family Dentistry at (214) 491-5362 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental crowns are supposed to last forever, right? In the right set of circumstances, they could. Some crowns will last several decades while others will last a lifetime. Then there is the dental crown that comes loose for one reason or another. A loose crown means that a trip to the dentist is in the…
Extensive tooth loss can impact your oral health and quality of life. Fortunately, all-on-4 dental implants offer a reliable foundation for a renewed smile that supports your oral health and overall well-being. This innovative technique provides a stable, long-lasting solution for those who have lost most or all of their teeth and are looking for…
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…
A dental crown and veneers are common dental treatments for restoring the appearance and functionality of your teeth. They can be used to restore damaged teeth and achieve a perfect smile depending on your dental condition. Although both dental crowns and veneers are useful tooth restoration options, the purpose, structure, and functionality of each differ.A…