In the world of modern dentistry, dental implant surgery is widely considered one of the most reliable and successful procedures available. However, even with these positive statistics, many people approach the surgery with a great deal of apprehension as they wonder what the process actually feels like. If you’ve been considering an implant to restore a missing tooth, understanding each part of the treatment can help to lessen your stress levels and boost your confidence before you head to the office.
At Jonathan Hunt DDS, we encourage you to become an informed patient, as this will make you more comfortable with the process. If you want to get some dental implants, understanding what can happen during your dental implant surgery in High Point, NC, can go a long way in allowing you to feel more prepared and at ease when you visit the office.
Pre-Surgery Examination & Treatment Planning
There is so much that can happen during dental implant surgery that it is important to have a thorough pre-surgery check-up before we move forward with the actual implant procedure. Because treatment planning is such an important component, we will take the time to review your overall dental history, your current state of oral health and bone structure, and determine if dental implants are a good solution for you. At that examination appointment, Dr. Hunt will be sure to review your entire smile in detail and also perform some necessary diagnostic tests, including digital imaging, photos inside your mouth, and advanced scans to evaluate the health of your smile.
With this information available, we will be able to:
- Review bone mass to determine if there is enough to support an implant.
- Identify critical structures in the nearby area to plan the best placement for the implant.
- Evaluate your bite and determine your goals for functional restoration.
- Develop an implant placement strategy that is tailored just for you.
If you have any other treatments, such as extractions or bone grafts, that need to take place before implant placement, that information will be discussed with you before surgery so that you are well-prepared for all phases of your implant journey.
Sedation & Anesthesia Options
One of the most common concerns patients have about implant surgery is what will happen in terms of pain management during surgery. You will be happy to know that implant surgery is usually significantly more comfortable than most patients expect. Local anesthesia will be placed over the treatment site to effectively numb the area.
Most patients report feeling some pressure and vibration while the implant is being placed, but most do not report feeling any discomfort. We will work closely with you to help determine any sedation needs that may enhance your experience during implant placement.
Some things that may play into your sedation choices include:
- The number of implants being placed.
- The complexity of your overall procedure.
- Previous dental experiences.
- Your anxiety levels.
We want you to have your dental implants placed while feeling relaxed and comfortable!
Step-By-Step Implant Placement Procedure
While the exact sequence will vary for each patient, in general, we follow the same pattern for all implant surgeries. The treatment area will be fully anesthetized, after which the incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
The dentist will use a special dental tool to prepare the site for implant placement. The implant will then be placed into the jawbone in accordance with the customized treatment plan created during your consultation.
This can involve:
- Careful preparation of the site with precise measurement and placement.
- Precise placement of the implant into the bone.
- Confirmation of the placement for alignment and stability.
- Protective measures for proper healing.
There will be a time frame where the implant may or may not be restored with a temporary restoration, and in some cases, your implant will be placed below the gumline to heal beneath your gum tissue over the next few months. These steps are all conducted precisely to establish stability for your future restoration.
How Long Will Implant Surgery & Recovery Take?
The time required for implant surgery will vary based on the number of implants placed, as well as any additional procedures that might be involved. Many patients who receive one implant may be able to have the entire process completed in under an hour. For more extensive surgeries, such as multiple implants or an entire arch restoration, more time might be required.
Recovery after dental implant surgery is typically not difficult. Swelling, soreness, and mild discomfort will likely exist for the first few days, and this is normal.
Patients generally see:
- Mild swelling, which should gradually decrease over the first few days.
- Mild soreness, which may be treatable with medications.
- Ability to return to most normal activities the next day or two.
- Healing underneath the gums.
Full healing time and the process of osseointegration may take several months to complete, but it is a stable process that will allow for a lifetime of use.
Dentist’s Post-Operative Directions
Following post-op instructions is one of the most critical steps that a patient can take to ensure proper healing and protect their dental implant investment. Our team of dentists will provide individualized instructions after your procedure to ensure that healing is smooth and predictable.
Patients are commonly advised to:
- Adhere to all prescribed medications.
- Enjoy soft foods initially.
- Avoid smoking.
- Keep the operative site clean according to proper care guidelines.
- Maintain all follow-up appointments with our office.
As with most procedures, healing will occur in different fashions for each patient. However, following the above instructions will help patients achieve optimal results.
Dental Implants In High Point, NC
Dental implant surgery is a complex and detailed process that can restore strength and function to your smile. We at Jonathan Hunt DDS strive to be as precise as possible to ensure that you receive the best dental implants available. Our dentists will take the time to make you comfortable and to fully explain all procedures to you. From your consultation through your restoration appointment, we strive to make the entire process of getting dental implants as educational, informative, and caring as possible.
If you are considering dental implants in High Point, NC, our team is ready to answer any questions and provide advanced, reliable treatment to achieve your lasting and healthy smile.