Your dentist recommended you to get a dental implant, and you are thinking to agree with the treatment plan. Many questions come to your mind. What should you do before the procedure? What happens during the implant? And what aftercare should you follow post-surgery?
What is a Dental Implant?
Let us first know what exactly is a dental implant. A dental implant is an appliance made of titanium placed into the jawbone through surgery for it to work as a root of a tooth. A dental surgeon or an implant specialist does the procedure.
Generally, a single implant finishes in about one to two hours. However, it may extend for more hours if:
- There are two or more teeth involved
- If you need a tooth extraction or bone grafting before the implant
These factors will also affect the dental visits you have to do throughout the treatment period.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
A dental implant surgery brings about discomfort and slight pain, like any other kind of surgery. You may choose between local anesthesia or IV sedation to prevent surgical discomfort during the procedure. Your dental surgeon will discuss the recommended kind anesthesia for your condition days before the surgery.
Before the Dental Implant
Your dentist will give you pre-surgery instructions to help you get ready for the implant procedure. You may have to do the following preparations:
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Take prophylactic antibiotics days before the day of the surgery, as prescribed by your licensed dentist.
- If you are to have anesthesia, you need to do fasting from midnight on the night before the surgery.
- Arrange with a relative or friend to drive you home after the surgery, especially if you were sedated during the procedure.
During the Dental Implant
During the surgery, your gums need to be cut to expose your jawbone. Next, your dental surgeon drills hole to the bone to prepare the placement of the metal posts. Once done, the implant of the titanium posts will follow.
After the implant of the metal posts, you need to wait for several months for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the process where the metal post unites with the jawbone. Once the unification process finishes, an additional procedure to put the abutment will take place. An abutment is a dental piece where the artificial teeth will be attached. It takes approximately two weeks for your gums to heal to accommodate the placement of the artificial tooth.
After the procedure
After the surgery, be prepared for some discomfort such as:
- Pain on the surgery site
- Minor bleeding
- Minor swelling of gums
Your oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication plus antibiotics after the implant. If the swelling and pain increases and lasts for more than three days, consult with your surgeon.
An Important Reminder
Remember to check and care for your new dental implant. Clean it like a natural tooth. Regularly brush and floss as instructed by your dentist. Also, make sure to arrange an appointment with your dentist every six months for proper dental maintenance. If you want to know more about dental implants and the latest implant technology, consult with the experts at the G4 Implant Center in Las Vegas. They offer a fully customized dental solution for your lower and upper teeth, which will surely give you the smile you deserve.
