Dental implants help preserve bone and significantly reduce bone resorption and deterioration caused by missing teeth. They also provide a stable base for new artificial teeth.

A complete oral evaluation is important to determine if you are an ideal candidate for implant surgery. Uncontrolled chronic conditions can interfere with the healing process and lead to implant failure.

The Process

Getting a tooth implant involves several steps. The first step is to talk to your dentist or specialist. They will evaluate your teeth, jaw bone, and gums. They will also check whether you have other conditions that could interfere with your healing process or the success of the procedure. They will ask about your medical history and may take 3D X-rays or digital jaw scans to see how much bone is available in the area where you want an implant.

Once this is done, they will create a treatment plan. During the first surgery, the implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is placed into the empty socket of your missing tooth. A healing cap is then added to keep tissue from growing over the implant and to protect it while the implant heals. This will take a few months. Avoid chewing on the implant site and using tobacco or other forms of unhealthy oral care to ensure it heals properly.

Preparation

The implant process usually starts with a comprehensive dental exam, which will include X-rays and 3D images and models of your teeth and jaw. In addition to determining the condition of your jawbone, this is also an opportunity for your dentist or oral surgeon to talk about your replacement options.

You’ll need to discuss whether you want removable or fixed (cemented) replacement teeth and the type of abutment that will be used. At this time, your dentist will also take a complete medical history and list any current medications or supplements you’re taking.

Be sure to consult your dentist for specific pre-operative instructions, which may involve fasting. It’s a good idea to stock your refrigerator and cupboards with soft foods that you enjoy before your procedure; meal-prepping can help ensure you get the nutrients you need while your diet is limited during recovery.

The Day of Surgery

After the initial assessment and planning, you’ll be ready for the day of your surgery. They’ll numb your mouth and gums with local anesthesia, and you can choose IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Once you’re asleep or sedated, your surgeon will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone and then place the implant screw. Your jawbone will then fuse with the screw, creating a strong base for your new tooth.

During this time, you’ll likely experience bruising, swelling and minor bleeding. Taking over-the-counter pain medications will help alleviate these symptoms. You can also expect to have a restricted diet for the first few days, so you should prepare meals in advance to ensure you get all your nutrients. Try to avoid eating hard, crunchy foods and spitting or using tobacco during this period. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication for you. They’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is progressing smoothly.

Post-Operative Care

In the case of dental implant procedure, we have to take a multi-step approach to make sure your mouth heals properly and that the implant is a good fit. We will start with a comprehensive dental evaluation including X-rays and impressions. If you have any conditions that may interfere with healing after the surgery we can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

After the surgery, you can expect a little pain and swelling of the gums and face. It is important to eat soft foods and apply ice packs to reduce the discomfort. If the pain is severe or there is any unrelenting bleeding, call us.

It is common to experience bad breath during recovery, and this will dissipate as the implant site heals. It is also normal to see a whitish or hard tissue buildup in the surgical site, and this is normally healthy healing tissue. A small, glossy coloured metal cylinder called the healing cap or abutment may appear on occasion in the surgical site, but this is normal as well.