Scheduled For Dental Implant Surgery? 7 Things To Expect During The Process
If your dentist has let you know that you need a dental implant, it is important for you to make sure you understand the process. Getting a dental implant is a surgical process that is performed by a dentist who is specifically trained in dental surgery and implant dentistry.
1. It Is an Outpatient Procedure
A dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure. That means that after the surgery, you get to go home. You don't have to stay overnight at a medical facility after having a dental implant surgery.
2. It Can Require Multiple Sessions
A dental implant surgery oftentimes isn't just one surgery. If you have an infection after the damaged tooth is removed, the infection will have to be removed before going forward. If your bone is not that thick, you may need a bone graft. Then, there will be a procedure for putting the implant into your jaw and another for adding the crown. Depending on your dental health and situation, this process could take anywhere from one to four different visits.
3. The Damaged Tooth Will be Removed
During the dental implant surgery, the first thing the dental surgeon will do is remove the damaged tooth. They will work carefully to remove all fragments of the damaged tooth and make sure that no fragments are left behind. They will confirm that all fragments of the damaged tooth have been removed by taking scans.
4. The Damaged Area Is Inspected
After the damaged tooth is removed, the dentist will then check out your jaw and gum area where the tooth was located. They will be looking to make sure that your mouth doesn't have an infection in that area. If they think you have an infection, they will have to seal up the area and give you antibiotics necessary to fight the infection.
5. Bone Graft May Be Required
Ideally, your jaw bone will be strong enough to go forward with the implant procedure. You need a strong jaw bone in order for the implant process to work. If your jawbone is currently not strong enough, a bone graft will be placed, and will have to heal, before the actual implant procedure is completed.
6. Installing the Implant
Once your jaw is ready, the implant will be drilled and attached to your jaw bone. This procedure can cause a little discomfort, and it will take a few weeks for your jaw and gum to fully heal from this procedure. You have to wait for the implant to actually fuse to your jaw bone before the last part of the procedure is completed.
7. Installing the Crown
Once the implant is in place, then an abutment will be placed on the implant, and the crown will be attached. This is the final part of the surgical process, although you may be asked to come back in a few months so your dentist can check on the implant.
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