What to expect during a dental implant procedure?

You’ve likely done your research and understand the benefits of dental implants. You may have even explored our dental implant service page. But what can you expect during the actual procedure? Understanding the process can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure a smoother experience.

Let’s walk through the steps involved in getting dental implants.

The Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure

To help you feel more at ease, we've broken down the entire dental implant procedure into simple, easy-to-follow steps. From your first consultation to the final crown fitting, here’s what you can expect.

Consultation & Planning

Your journey to a new smile begins with a dental implant consultation. This first appointment is all about you – discussing your dental health, medical history, and what you hope to achieve with the implants. It’s a great chance for us to get to know you and ensure we’re on the same page.

Next, we’ll take a good look at your mouth. We’ll examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to make sure everything is in good shape for an implant. This often involves X-rays and CT scans to get a detailed picture of your bone structure and plan the best placement for the implant. 

If your jawbone isn’t quite strong enough, we might need to do a bone graft to build it up before we move forward.

Anesthesia Administration

Dental implant surgery might sound scary, and you might be a bit nervous about the procedure or the pain it may involve. Rest assured that we've got you covered. 

We want you to feel relaxed and at ease and use anesthesia to keep you pain-free and comfortable through the procedure. 

Anesthesia options include:

  • Local anesthesia: This will numb just the area we're working on, so you’ll stay awake but won’t feel any pain.
  • Sedation: This will make you a bit drowsy and more relaxed, but you’ll still be awake during the procedure.
  • General anesthesia: This will put you into a deep sleep, so you won’t be aware of the procedure at all.

Our team will discuss these choices with you and find the best way to keep you calm and pain-free. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during the whole dental implant process.

Implant Placement

Let’s walk through the next step - getting your dental implant! This process involves several precise steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.

First, we’ll examine your jawbone to ensure it's ready for the implant. Once it’s good to go, we’ll place the dental implant post. The post is a titanium screw that acts as the root for your new tooth. This is done by making a small opening in your gum and gently placing the post into the jawbone. 

Over the next few months, your jawbone will naturally grow around the implant. This process is called osseointegration, where your bone and implant become one.

Once your implant is well integrated, we’ll attach a small connector called an abutment. This piece sits on top of the implant and builds a bridge for your new tooth. Your dental surgeon might do this at the same time as the implant surgery, or they may wait a bit.

The final step is the tooth crown. This is the part that looks just like your natural teeth. We take an impression of your tooth and create a customized crown that fits you perfectly. Once it's ready, we’ll carefully cement it onto the abutment. And just like that, you'll have a brand-new tooth!

Bone Grafting (If Necessary)

Sometimes, if your jawbone isn’t quite strong enough because of tooth loss or gum disease, the surgeon might need to do a little extra work to get things ready for your implant. This is where bone grafting comes in.

Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. During this step, the surgeon adds some extra bone material to build up and strengthen the area where the implant will be placed. 

Think of bone grafting as adding extra support to your jawbone. It gives your jaw a solid foundation to ensure your implant is stable and lasts a long time.

It typically takes a few months for the new bone to grow in and become strong, but once it's ready, it'll be the perfect foundation for your implant. This step is crucial to making sure your dental implant has the best possible support.

Recovering & Taking Care of Your New Smile

Once the surgery's over, it’s time to focus on healing and taking care of your smile.

After the implant procedure, it is normal to be a little sore or swollen. Everyone heals at their own pace, but discomfort usually starts to ease after a few days. 

Make sure you follow all post-recovery instructions to prevent infections and promote proper healing.

  • Use ice: For the first few days, ice packs are your new best friends. Gently apply ice packs to your face for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
  • Pain management: The pain medications we prescribe should keep you comfortable. Make sure to take them as directed.
  • Soft food diet: Soft foods are your go-to for a while. Things like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup are all good options in the initial days after your surgery. Avoid anything that’s too hot, spicy, or crunchy.
  • Gentle oral care: It's important to keep your mouth clean, but be gentle. Brush carefully and avoid the implant area for a few days. Saltwater rinses can help keep things fresh.
  • No smoking: Smoking is to be avoided at all costs. It slows down healing and can cause unwanted complications.

Following these tips will help your mouth heal faster and reduce the risk of complications. Remember, patience is key. Everyone heals differently. Some people bounce back quickly, while others need a bit more time. Be patient with yourself. 

Once your implants have fully healed, proper care is essential for their longevity. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and using any special cleaning tools we recommend.

Get a Dental Implant at Pine Desert Dental

Your new smile is an investment in your oral health and confidence. At Pine Desert Dental, we specialize in providing dental implants, a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Zach Sunitsch, is dedicated to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment plans.

If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at (541) 549-0109 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon

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