What to Expect Before, During and After Dental Implant Surgery
When you’re planning to have dental implants, it’s natural to wonder what the procedure
will be like. Every patient’s experience is unique – but there are many helpful
tips that can be shared so you know what to expect. Here are answers for the
questions that patients often ask us.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is made of a titanium post
that looks very much like a small screw. It is surgically placed in your jaw by
a dental professional such as an oral surgeon. This post mimics the natural root that held
your original tooth in place, which helps to reduce the effects of bone loss
caused by missing teeth. After the implant is placed, a man-made tooth will be
formed and placed on top of it.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
Every patient and every procedure is
different, but there are factors that govern the length of time it takes for
the dental implant procedure. These include:
- Your
     overall dental health.
- The
     number of teeth to be replaced and their position in your mouth.
- Whether
     damaged teeth will need to be extracted or bone grafting done before
     dental implants are placed.
These factors above also determine the number
of visits you will make during the treatment.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
As with any dental surgery, there can be
discomfort, but we are fully committed to making your surgery as pain-free as
possible.
Before surgery is scheduled, Dr. Geldzahler will talk with you about all sedation
options. This gives you the chance to choose the level of anesthesia that is
best for you. It also lets you plan ahead, since some levels of sedation mean
that you cannot drive afterwards.
Many of our patients report they were more
comfortable during the procedure than they expected. You may leave the
appointment with a prescription for a non-narcotic medication to relieve any
potential discomfort you may feel after surgery.
What Happens After Surgery?
You may have tenderness and swelling in the
gum and soft tissues surrounding the new implant. This can be treated with
non-narcotic medications. Most people find they can go back to work and other
normal activities the next day. Many of our patients also tell us they didn’t
even need the pain medication. Read More…


 
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