The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
Placing a single implant typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, while multiple implants can be completed in 2 to 3 hours. The number of appointments and time needed will vary depending on the patient. Rest assured, the surgeon will approach your case with precision and attention to detail.
Before undergoing surgery, you may be given antibiotics and offered intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for added comfort. These options will be discussed with you during your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will also be used to numb the area where the implant will be placed.
Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone, create space using specialized instruments, and gently insert the titanium implant. The top of the implant may be visible through the gum, although sometimes it is preferable to have the implant covered by the gum tissue during the initial stages of healing.
The Healing Phase
The healing process varies from person to person, depending on the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately after placement, with the surgeon providing guidance on follow-up care and timing. After the initial healing phase, an abutment or healing cap is placed on the implant during a follow-up visit to allow gum tissue to mature and provide access to the implant.
Sometimes, impressions are taken when the implant is placed to prepare the crown for when the implants have fully healed. The length of time needed for healing depends on various factors, with follow-up care typically required to monitor healing progress and determine readiness for the restorative phase of treatment.
In some cases, a soft tissue graft may be recommended to improve the strength, cleanliness, and appearance of gum tissue around the implant. This involves transferring a small amount of gum tissue from one part of the mouth to the implant area, usually a quick and comfortable procedure.
Whether replacing one tooth or multiple teeth, the restoration process involves fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant to complete the treatment.
At what point in time are dental implants typically inserted?
Implants are typically placed a few months after a tooth extraction, but in some cases, they can be placed immediately after extraction to simplify the process. However, immediate implant placement may come with added risks and is not recommended if there are issues with infection or bone health.
If a tooth has been missing for a while, the surrounding bone may have deteriorated, making it necessary to graft additional bone before placing an implant. This is because the natural tooth root is needed to stimulate bone growth, and without it, up to one third of the jaw's thickness can be lost within a year of extraction. Ensuring there is enough bone support is crucial for the success of the implant placement.
