Preparing for dental implant surgery can be a daunting task.
You have already made the decision to replace your missing tooth (or teeth), and now it is time for the real work. The good news is that if you are aware of what you need to do in order to prepare for the procedure, the entire process will be a lot less stressful.
Here’s what you need to know…
Preparing for your implant surgery can make a huge difference in the success of the surgery and the length of your recovery time. And, the best part is, most of the preparation is simple and easy to do.
What You Need To Know:
- The different types of implants you have at your disposal
- Everything that you can expect at your pre-surgery consultation
- Your day-of-surgery expectations
- Your recovery timeline
The different types of implants you have at your disposal
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
You can think of implants as artificial tooth roots that can then serve as a sturdy foundation for your replacement teeth. And, did you know that approximately 3 million Americans have dental implants? This number increases by 500,000 patients per year. With that said, let’s go over what your implant options are.
You have several different choices, which can include:
- Single tooth replacement
- Multiple tooth bridges
- Full-arch restorations
Patients who are missing most or all of their teeth can choose to get procedures like All on 4 in Sydney, which will replace an entire arch of teeth using only four strategically placed implants.
Full-arch restoration options have become increasingly popular in recent years. This is because it provides immediate function to the patient and eliminates the need for removable dentures.
The biggest reason dental implants work so well is because of the following…
The titanium material of the posts actually fuse with the bone in your jaw. This process, which is called osseointegration, provides you with a permanent foundation for your new teeth. The success rate is also extremely high – with prosthetic survival rates reaching 98.8% with some of the more advanced techniques.
Your pre-surgery consultation
Do you want to know what will happen during your pre-surgery consultation?
You can expect your dentist to conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is not just a cursory glance either. They are going to be evaluating whether you are an ideal candidate for implants and formulating a customised treatment plan.
Your dentist is going to want to:
- Take detailed x-rays and 3D images of your jaw
- Assess your bone density and overall structure
- Go over your medical history and medication list
- Review your implant options with you
- Outline a treatment timeline
The thing is, most patients don’t realise the importance of this step.
The consultation is also the best time to ask any questions you may have. Don’t be shy here. The dentist needs to know about any potential concerns you have, health conditions, or medications you are taking. Diabetes, for example, can have an effect on the success of your surgery and recovery period.
Medical clearance
Patients need to have medical clearance before they can have any surgery done.
Dentists may request medical clearance from your primary care physician if you have certain chronic conditions. A full list of your current medications is likely needed, and it’s a good idea to disclose any known allergies. There are even certain medications that you may need to stop taking a few weeks before surgery, like blood thinners.
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking negatively affects the rate of osseointegration. Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to your teeth and gums. This slowed down healing process means a much higher rate of implant failure in smokers.
The day before surgery
Here is what you need to do in the 24 hours leading up to your surgery…
Patients will receive specific pre-operative instructions from their dentist. However, in general, it is a good idea to eat a healthy meal the night before your procedure, get a full night’s sleep, and make sure to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You will likely be under the effects of a local anaesthetic, and sedation as well.
Something else to note is that it is a good idea to prepare your home for the recovery period before you leave for the surgery.
Have plenty of soft foods on hand, ice packs ready, and any prescriptions you may need filled. You don’t want to have to worry about these things after you get home.
What happens during the surgery?
Let’s go over what actually occurs during dental implant surgery.
First, the patient will be administered anaesthesia. This could be local anaesthesia, sedation, or even general anaesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure.
After this, your dentist will create a small incision in your gum tissue and make a small hole in your jawbone.
The titanium implant post is placed inside the jaw, and the gum tissue is sutured closed. The entire process generally takes around 1-2 hours per implant.
Of course, if you are getting multiple implants or a full arch restoration, the process will take a bit longer.
The immediate post-operative period
The immediate post-operative period is just the few hours after the surgery.
You may feel a little drowsy and groggy from the anaesthesia. This is normal, and your mouth will also be numb. This is also completely normal.
Your dentist will be going over your aftercare instructions before you leave. Here is what you can expect in the first few hours after your surgery.
It is normal to have some bleeding for the first few hours after surgery. Swelling will also be at its peak during this time, generally peaking at around 2-3 days after surgery.
You may feel some discomfort, but you can take any prescribed pain medications to reduce this. It is also during this time that you should be eating soft foods and drinking cold liquids.
Ice packs on the face for the first 24-48 hours is also a good idea. This will help with swelling and provide you with some pain relief.
Your recovery timeline
There are three different stages of the recovery process from dental implant surgery.
The initial healing period generally lasts from 7 to 10 days. During this period, you will begin to see a reduction in swelling and discomfort. However, the full osseointegration process will take a few months.
Week 1-2: Swelling, pain management, and a strict oral hygiene regimen will be a primary focus. Soft foods will be your best bet, and you should avoid strenuous activity.
Week 3-4: Most of the discomfort will be gone at this point. You can gradually start adding solid foods into your diet. Try to avoid anything that is too hard or crunchy, however.
Month 2-6: This is when the implant will be fusing with the bone in your jaw. There may not be much happening from a patient perspective, but this is when most of the magic occurs.
You will return after osseointegration is complete to have your permanent crown placed. This final restoration will complete your new tooth, and you can resume all normal eating and oral hygiene habits.
Summary
Preparing for dental implant surgery is not as difficult as you may think.
By understanding what to expect in each stage of the process – from your pre-surgery consultation all the way to the recovery period – you can approach your procedure with confidence.
As with any major medical procedure, the key is following your dentist’s instructions to the letter and giving your body the time it needs to heal properly.
Remember that dental implants are one of the most successful procedures that patients can get in the dental field. If you take care of them, and properly prepare for the surgery, you will soon have a beautiful and functional tooth that can last a lifetime.
