It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious before a dental implant procedure, but knowing how to prepare and what to expect can usually help reduce any anxiety you may have.
If you need a dental implant, this procedure can be incredibly exciting—especially if the implant will replace one or more gaps in your front teeth or resolve problems you may be having with eating or talking.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a dental implant, including what to expect during recovery.
What Is a Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant procedure is when a dentist or oral surgeon implants one or more artificial tooth roots and teeth into your mouth to replace missing teeth. The implant is rooted to your jawbone using cement, and artificial teeth are attached to the implant.
Dental implants are made to look and function like real, natural teeth. This treatment is ideal for anyone who wants to replace one or more missing teeth.
This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient surgery, which means you can go home to rest and recover on the same day. A dental implant procedure is usually done in two separate appointments: one during which the implant is placed, and another in which the artificial teeth are attached to the implant.
Who Needs a Dental Implant?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth could greatly benefit from a dental implant.
You may be an ideal candidate for a dental implant if you:
- Want to replace one or more missing teeth, factors that can contribute to missing teeth include accident, injury, and gum disease
- Have healthy gums and tissues
- Have enough jawbone to which implants can be secured
- Are eligible for a bone graft, if you lack enough jawbone
- Have a fully grown jawbone
- Experience difficulty with chewing and eating foods due to missing teeth
- Have problems talking due to missing teeth
- Do not want to wear dentures or cannot wear dentures for a medical reason
- Do not have health conditions that can delay or affect bone healing
- Are willing to practice good oral hygiene and maintain good oral health
- Do not smoke tobacco products
How to Prepare for Your Dental Implant Procedure
Your dentist or oral surgeon will guide you through the process of preparing for your dental implant procedure. You may have several appointments before the actual implantation procedure, during which your dentist will take X-rays, create molds of your mouth and teeth, and review your medical history.
Here are tips that can help you prepare for your dental implant procedure:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the clinic. Your dentist may use sedation to reduce pain and help you relax during the procedure, in which case you will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
- Confirm the location of the surgery. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting in a hospital or clinic.
- Ask whether you need to fast beforehand. If you are receiving any form of sedation or anesthesia, your dentist may ask you to avoid consuming foods and drinks for several hours before your appointment.
- Take any medications as needed. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics beforehand to protect against an early implant failure. If you are using any medications that thin the blood or that could interfere with sedation, your dentist may have you stop those medications temporarily until after the surgery.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can slow and delay healing. If you are a current smoker, your dentist will recommend stopping as soon as possible so your gums and teeth can heal properly following your dental implant procedure.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?
The entire dental implant procedure can sometimes take place in one day. However, more commonly, dental implant surgery takes place during at least two appointments.
During the placement of the implant, your dentist will make an incision in your gums at the site of your missing tooth. Then, the dentist will place the implant deeply into the jawbone and will cover the implant with your gum tissue. You may need to wait for several weeks or months to allow for bone to grow around the implant, which helps it stay in place.
After your gums and tissues have healed weeks or months after the implant is placed, you will return to the dentist to have the abutment attached to the implant. The abutment is the piece to which the artificial teeth, or crowns, will be attached.
During this phase of the procedure, your dentist will reopen your gums, attach the abutment to the implant, then close the gum tissues around the abutment. Afterward, you can go home to begin your recovery.
What Is Recovery Like After Getting a Dental Implant?
If you received sedation or anesthesia, you may feel groggy and tired for several hours after your appointment. During the days that follow, you may experience some pain, discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding at the site of the implant. Your dentist may recommend eating only soft foods and soups until your gums have healed.
Dental implants generally require the same oral hygiene and maintenance as natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly can help your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy, and reduce the risk of problems with your dental implant.
Resource Links
- “Antibiotic prophylaxis at dental implant placement: Which is the best protocol? A systematic review and network meta-analysis” via Journal of Clinical Periodontology.