The Things to Expect When Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most in-demand solutions for people who are suffering from tooth loss. Are may be planning on availing the procedure, or perhaps you are already scheduled to undergo it soon? It is possible that you are feeling quite uneasy or even scared, but it actually doesn’t have to be this way. To feel more confident during your appointment and to finally make the decision of undergoing the restoration, we at Dixwell Dental prepared a list of the things to expect when it comes to a dental implant procedure!

How long will it take?

In determining the length of treatment, there are some factors to consider, including the teeth to be replaced, the number of structures involved, your dental health condition, and if extraction is necessary before the placement of implants. Everyone should know that a dental implant procedure involves two phases and can take six to nine months to carry out. This may take longer if the patient first needs to heal from tooth extraction or bone graft before installing the implant posts.

The same factors above are also used to know how many visits are required throughout the treatment. For example, performing a single tooth implant takes an hour or so to complete, including the time for anesthesia and dressing for a sterile surgical environment.

Is it painful?

Just like any other type of surgical procedure, the placement of dental implants can cause some discomfort. To help you have a more comfortable experience, the dentist will prescribe medications to help ease any forms of discomfort throughout the whole encounter.

Preparation before surgery

Some of the possible pre-operative instructions the dentist may give are:

• Prescribe antibiotics a few days before the scheduled procedure to serve as a preventive measure. 
• Ask someone to drive you to the dental office and back home on the scheduled day.
• Make sure to take note of the dentist’s instructions, like if you must fast or not on the day of the surgery.

Day of the surgery

First phase:

• The dentist may numb your mouth using a certain type of medication.
• They will then make an incision in your gums to expose the bone underneath where the implant posts will be inserted.
• A special type of drill will be used to create a space for the implant post on your jawbone.
• As soon as the space is ready, the post will then be screwed in place manually or using a hand tool.
• After the implant/s are in place, another component will be added to remain in place as the treated area heals.
• Your gums will be closed over the implant placement through a stitch of two.
• After a few months, you can expect that your implant restoration is securely attached to your bone.

Second phase:

• Another incision is made on the same spot to re-expose the implant placed. Unless there is another component placed that already sits over the gums.
• Impressions will be taken for the creation of your dental prosthesis.
• From the impressions, models of the mouth will be created for the fabrication of dental crowns.
• As soon as the crowns are ready, another appointment is necessary for its placement. Depending on the tooth restored, the dentist may require you to try the crown before completing the procedure by checking its fit and shape in your mouth.

Hopefully, with the help of these pieces of information, you will feel more at ease in making a decision or during the placement of your Dental Implants in Hamden, CT! For more inquiries or concerns, feel free to call or visit us at Dixwell Dental.

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