What Is The Process Of Getting Dental Implants?

What Is The Process Of Getting Dental Implants?

12/05/2022

Dental implants are the most effective, long-lasting way of replacing missing teeth. In this article, we will give you an insight into the process of getting dental implants – from start to finish, so there’s no surprises!

Consultation

The dental implant process starts with a consultation with a dental implant specialist, where they will determine whether you are suitable for dental implants. During this consultation, your specialist will perform an Xray and weigh up the pros and cons of the outpatient surgery and what you can expect in terms of treatment times and costs.

If you decide to go ahead with dental implant treatment, your dentist will schedule your surgery. This is usually done at your local clinic, however, if your surgery does not provide this as a treatment then you may want to seek out a specialist dental implant clinic to put you at ease and keep all your treatment under one roof. If your dentist recommends IV sedation, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up after your surgery.

Pre-Op

Before your surgery, eat a small meal a few hours before your surgery, unless you are having IV sedation – then you shouldn’t eat anything after midnight the night before surgery takes place. Your dentist may prescribe you a course of antibiotics before your surgery to help prevent early implant failures. They will also recommend that you stop smoking (if you haven’t already) as smoking cigarettes will slow your healing.

Surgery

Whilst some patients may be able to have the implant and crown inserted on the same day, the usual course of action is for these steps to happen in stages.

During the first stage of dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer local anesthesia or IV sedation, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. Once sedated, your dentist will make an incision in your gums and place the metal implant into the jawbone where you are missing a tooth. Once placed, your gum is closed around the implant.

In order to give your bone enough time to grow around the implant and secure it in place, your next appointment will be in several months. You will go home to recover and then called back in at a later date for the final stage of your treatment.

Once your gums have healed back to pre-op stage, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and create a custom crown to attach to the implant that will act as your new tooth.

Aftercare

After your dental implant has been placed, it is common to experience some minor bruising, swelling and bruising. Your dentist may recommend over the counter medications to help with any pain you may experience, as well as sticking to a diet of soft foods.

Once healed, dental implants can be treated like your regular teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once at night and eat a healthy diet to avoid tooth decay. Taking care of your mouth after dental implant surgery is essential as you don’t want to weaken the jawbone that is holding your implant.

Ready to take the first step is restoring your smile after losing teeth? Book a free consultation with one of our specialists to discuss treatment options.