A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants have been around for many years, but they are gaining popularity as their benefits become more widely known. Dental implants replace teeth that are missing or need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage.

If you’re considering getting dental implants or you have an upcoming appointment for dental implant placement, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. 

Preparing for the Procedure

The first step is a consultation to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. One of the biggest factors is the condition of the jaw bone in the area where the dental implant needs to be placed. Bone loss is common in the absence of a tooth, so if there is not sufficient bone structure to support a dental implant, some preparation may be necessary. Bone grafting can thicken the jaw bone and encourage regeneration of bone tissue to make dental implant placement possible and more likely to be successful. 

Dental Implant Placement Step By Step

When the jaw is ready to receive dental implants, the placement process typically involves a few steps: 

• Placing the dental implant. The first step in the process is the placement of the dental implant itself, which is the root portion that is placed in the jaw bone. The implant is made of titanium and resembles a screw with threads to help it fuse with bone, forming a solid bond that can support a dental prosthetic. The gum tissue must be opened, the dental implant placed, then the gum tissue is closed over it while it heals. 
• Adding the abutment. A few weeks or months after the dental implant is placed, once it has had time to bond with the jaw bone, the abutment can be attached. This is the titanium post that extends upward out of the gums to attach the prosthetic. 
• Attaching the dental prosthetic. A few weeks after the gum tissue has had time to heal after the placement of the abutment, the dental prosthetic can be attached. This may be a crown, a bridge, or dentures. 

Recovery

You can expect a short recovery period after each step in the dental implant placement process. The lengthiest recovery period will be after the placement of the implant in the jaw. You will need to rest at home for the remainder of the day and eat soft foods for the first few days to a week. Your gum tissue will most likely be healed within 2 weeks, but the implant still needs time to bond with the bone, so avoid chewing in that area of your mouth for at least a few weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last?

Once a dental implant bonds to the bone in your jaw, it can last for the rest of your life. Dental implants have an average life expectancy of 30 years or more, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health. 

What type of anesthesia will I need for dental implant placement?

In many cases dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia. But in cases where the patient feels anxious or if a large number of dental implants will be placed at the same time, additional sedation may be helpful. Sedation can help you feel relaxed and make it seem as if time passes by more quickly. 

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation Today

Are you interested in replacing one or more teeth with dental implants? Fullerton Oral Surgery specializes in dental implant placement. We would be happy to meet with you for a consultation to determine if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. 

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.