What’s the Procedure Like?
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably learned what dental implants are, who they’re for, and what can happen if you don’t replace missing teeth. Now, let’s look specifically at how the procedure is performed by specialists at Prudental. For most dental implants, the process is the same with some distinctions depending on the recommended procedure.
First, you’ll meet with our periodontic surgeon specializing in implant dentistry. During this visit, we will assess your oral health, including dental X-rays or scans to evaluate bone density and anatomy. Based on the assessment, we’ll work with you to produce a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and goals, which will include types of implants needed. In complex cases, we’ll even virtually place all implants to ensure the best outcome before moving ahead with treatment.
Next, you’ll get the implants themselves. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, although sedation options may be available for patients who experience dental anxiety. During the surgery, small incisions are made in the gums, and the implants are precisely positioned in the jawbone along with temporary abutments and crown material.
After implant placement, a process called osseointegration occurs, during which the implants fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This usually takes several months, during which temporary restorations may be worn to maintain aesthetics and function.
Once osseointegration is complete, abutments are attached to the implants. Abutments are small connectors that protrude above the gum line and serve as attachment points for the final prosthetic restorations.
Last, we’ll attach your custom-made prosthetic restorations (crowns, bridges, or full arches), which we’ll fabricate to fit onto the abutments. These restorations are designed to closely match the appearance and function of natural teeth, restoring aesthetics and oral function.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
If you’ve made it to this page, you probably understand the risks of not replacing a missing tooth. You likely know what dental implants are and probably have a good idea of the types of implants available to you, and the specifics of what a dental implant procedure is like. Now, let’s look at exactly how long it takes.
The specifics of how long the full process takes vary by your unique case and your recommended treatment plan (e.g. a single crown vs. a full arch), but in general, here’s what to expect:
One in-person appointment of roughly 1 hour.
This procedure will usually take 30-40 minutes for a single implant or up to 3 hours or more for a full arch.
For the osseointegration process to be fully effective, it can take 3-6 months for the implant to fuse to the surrounding bone structure. In some cases it may take more than 9 months. During this time, you’ll have a temporary prosthetic that will restore normal function and aesthetics.
After a brief healing period, we’ll install your permanent abutments as needed, and attach your custom-made crown. In order to get this attached perfectly, it can take 2-3 appointments over several weeks to finalize adjustments.
What About Same-Day Implants?
Same-day implants are possible, but there’s a small caveat. With all-on-four and all-on-six procedures, providers at Prudental can affix 3D-printed teeth immediately after the dental implant is installed. This temporary crown restores your smile and also gives you back functionality the very same day you have the procedure. It also allows for your gums and jaw to more effectively heal. After about six weeks, this temporary crown is removed and replaced by a permanent crown.
If you want to learn more about dental implants, we have many resources that cover common questions like:
“Do Dental Implant Procedures Hurt?”
“How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?”
“How Do I Find a Dental Implant Specialist?”
To answer questions like these and others, use the navigation above or book a consultation with our team to go over any questions you might have about your procedure.
Do Dental Implant Procedures Hurt?
At this point, you probably understand what dental implants are, why they matter, and what a procedure is like. But do dental implants hurt?
Generally speaking, pain is relatively low as there is typically not significant nerve density in the bone regions where implants are placed. Our team will do everything we can to make the process as comfortable as possible. The amount of discomfort you could experience will vary depending on your individual pain tolerance, the complexity of your procedure, and the type of pain management we use.
During the Procedure
Prior to the procedure, patients may be advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce post-operative discomfort.
For most implants, we’ll use local anesthesia prior to the procedure, which numbs the area being treated and blocks sensations of pain throughout the procedure.
Oral sedatives, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation may be available for patients who experience dental anxiety or require additional relaxation during the procedure
After the Procedure
Patients may be prescribed pain medications such as prescription-strength ibuprofen or acetaminophen with codeine to manage any discomfort following a procedure.
Applying cold compresses to the face can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing relief from discomfort after dental implant surgery.
Following dental implant surgery, patients are usually advised to stick to a soft diet and avoid chewing on the surgical site to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
Patients should attend follow-up appointments with their dentist or oral surgeon as scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or discomfort that may arise.
Do you still have questions about dental implants in Houston?
The team at Prudental has an impressive track record of successful procedures and will make every effort to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your procedure. If you have any additional questions about dental implants (such as costs, what the procedure is like, or how to find a specialist), we invite you to explore the navigation above or book a consultation with our team to get all your questions answered.
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