What To Expect Before, During, And After A Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are a common solution for a range of dental problems. They can replace missing or damaged teeth, helping restore your smile and confidence. If you’ve never had a dental implant before, you might feel nervous about the process or be curious about what to expect. Knowing what happens before, during, and after a dental implant procedure can help you prepare and give you peace of mind.
As professional dental care experts, our team at Grove City Dental offers dental implants and other general and cosmetic services. Read through our guide below and learn what to expect during your procedure.
Before the Procedure
All dental implants begin with an initial consultation with your dentist. Whether you’re attending a routine appointment or you’ve experienced sudden damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a solution.
During your appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth through a comprehensive dental exam using X-rays. They will also review your medical history and dental goals to help create a custom treatment plan suitable for your needs. Your initial consultation is a great opportunity to ask your dentist questions and learn as much as possible about the dental implant procedure.
If you and your dentist determine a dental implant is right for you, your dentist will provide you with instructions to help you prepare for the procedure, including any medication you may need to take or whether fasting is required before your appointment. They may also ask you to give up smoking or certain prescriptions in the days leading up to the procedure.
For the surgery itself, it’s recommended that you wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. You should arrange for someone else to drive you home after your appointment.
During the Procedure
You should arrive promptly for your appointment on the day of your procedure. If you feel sick or need to change your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule you.
Anesthesia
The first step of the surgery is to administer anesthesia or sedation to help numb your mouth so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Once your dentist is positive that the anesthesia is working, they will proceed with the rest of the procedure.
Possible tooth extraction
If there is any part of the tooth remaining (after a broken tooth, for example), your dentist will remove it before fitting the implant.
Inserting the implant into the jawbone
Your dentist will insert a titanium implant into your jawbone to help strengthen your jaw and give you a solid foundation for your implant. Some patients will need time to heal following this part of the procedure, meaning the rest will be carried out in a future appointment.
In the months following the procedure, the jawbone will grow around the implant, helping to form your natural gum line. This process can take three to nine months.
Connecting the crown
Once your dentist is satisfied that the implant is stable, an abutment will be placed to connect it to a crown. At this stage, your dentist may insert a temporary crown while your permanent crown is formed.
Your dentist will fit your permanent crown after your gums have healed following the initial procedure. The implant will be fixed permanently in place unless you request a removable one to help you keep your teeth clean.
Getting home after the procedure
Following your procedure, it’s recommended that you arrange for either a family member or friend to drive you home. You should avoid driving for 24 hours after your appointment, especially while under the influence of medication.
Timeline
Your surgery will take 1-2 hours, depending on how many implants are being fitted and whether any extractions need to be performed. Fitting the permanent crown will be a much shorter appointment. Overall, the dental implant procedure usually takes 6-12 weeks. Afterward, the healing process will continue as your gum heals to accommodate your new implant—a process known as osseointegration.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
In the first 24-48 hours following your appointment, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. Your dentist will recommend pain medication to help ease your symptoms. During your initial recovery, you should stick to soft foods and avoid food and drink that is too hot or cold.
In addition to medication, your dentist will provide other recommendations to help alleviate your discomfort. Follow their instructions, and contact us if you have any issues. You will be provided with aftercare instructions that will help you take care of your oral health and recover from the procedure quickly.
Your dentist will provide a timeline for follow-up appointments and monitor your healing process. Once your dentist is satisfied with your implant, you will be officially discharged and can return to your regularly scheduled dental appointments.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Dental implants have several benefits, helping you preserve the look and functionality of your teeth in the event of damage or tooth loss. Maintaining your oral hygiene and protecting your new implant is important to avoid further treatment. Here are some of our best care tips for dental implant success:
- Maintain a strong oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and remember to floss and use mouthwash to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Avoid habits that could damage your implants and remaining teeth, such as smoking, teeth grinding, and eating foods rich in sugars and acids.
- Attend regular dental check-ups to help your dentist monitor any problems with your implant, and keep an eye on the rest of your teeth and gums. Early intervention could mean less invasive treatment if issues arise.
Dental Implant Services in Blackfoot
Dental implants are a safe and effective choice to help you if you’ve suffered from damaged or missing teeth. If you’re looking for dental implant services in Blackfoot, Idaho, contact Grove City Dental today to schedule a consultation. We are eager to help you get your smile back!