Procedure For Tooth Implant. The best way to replace a missing tooth.

Generally speaking, the procedure for tooth implant is not at all painful. For apprehensive patients, the oral surgeon can administer a mild sedation which can make the process quite comfortable. For most tooth implant patients a local anesthesia is all that is required, The after-effects of having implants placed are usually mild and may include slight bruising, dull ache and swelling. The amount of which will vary dependent upon the number of tooth implants placed and the difficulty of the surgical procedures.

When choosing a date for tooth implant placement, avoid significant social engagements and work commitments for at least a week after. This is just to be on the safe side. Taking time off work is not usually necessary.

Tooth Implant procedure - Step by Step

What is it like having the tooth implant?

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. You will not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure at all. Local anaesthesia will be used during the procedure and most patients report that implants involve less pain than tooth extraction. Any discomfort following the procedure can be managed with pain medication. Most people say their mouth is sore and they have to be careful what they eat so it’s best to stick to soft foods. If you have any additional questions, please contact the practice on 0121 4273210 and speak to one of the experienced nurses.

How painful is the dental implant procedure?

You will receive local anaesthesia during the procedure and should feel no discomfort at all. The procedure itself normally takes as little as thirty minutes and patients have reported that implants involve less pain than a tooth removal.

How long does pain last after dental implants?

This is a major dental procedure so immediately after the surgery and for a few days you will likely experience some discomfort. However, any pain should be manageable. You may also experience bruising of the skin and gums, pain at the implant site and minor bleeding. A moderate amount of swelling should be expected after the implant surgery. This will last 5 to 7 days but applying ice packs to the face over the area of surgery for 24 to 48 hours immediately following surgery may prevent swelling

Does implant surgery hurt more than tooth extraction?

Dental implant surgery is extremely safe, and most people do not have any complications from implants. While there is no cut-and-dried answer, since every person perceives pain differently and procedures are very individualised, most patients report feeling less discomfort during implant surgery than in tooth extraction procedure. Majority of patients have reported that they found the procedure less painful than a tooth extraction.

Video Animation of a dental implant procedure

Dental implants provide a durable, long-lasting option to restore lost teeth. Watch this video to learn how you can regain a natural-looking, beautiful new smile! Material copyrighted by third parties, provided courtesy of Dental Health Society

Brief summary of tooth implant procedure

Consultation.

The first step of tooth implant procedure is a discussion with your dentist, followed by a thorough dental examination. The jaw is x-rayed to check the condition of the bone tissue and to determine the placement of the tooth implant. An impression is made of the jaw and existing teeth, forming an important platform for the tooth implant treatment.

Implant Placement Procedure.

The implants are placed in the bone using a gentle surgical technique. Following the implant placement procedure, the implants are left undisturbed for a period of 3 to 9 months so that the bone can grow around the implants to form a strong biological bond to them.

Fabrication of Replacement Teeth:

A series of appointments with us will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments; place temporary replacement teeth; select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth and try them for proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the implants.

Detailed explanation of dental implant surgery

1. Examination of area to place the tooth implant.

The first step is an examination and consultation with us to determine whether or not you are a candidate for implant treatment. This usually involves x-rays and may include taking impressions for models of your teeth. If you have already lost a significant amount of bone, additional x-rays taken at another facility that specializes in this type of x-ray may also be recommended. During the examination, I will be evaluating the area(s) of your mouth where teeth are missing, including the amount of bone available to support the placement of implants. A bone grafting procedure can be considered if you don’t have sufficient bone to support the implants. I will also be evaluating the type of replacement teeth that will best meet your needs. A review of your health history will indicate whether there are any medical conditions that could prevent you from being a candidate for implant treatment.

2. Dental implant surgeon places the implant

There are two options for tooth implant placement, depending on your clinical situation. In a one-step tooth implant procedure, the implant is placed and then a temporary abutment is attached. (An abutment is the part of an implant that acts as a connection between the implant and the crown.) In a two-step tooth implant procedure, the implant is inserted and then covered by the gum. The abutment is attached at a later date. In either case the implant must be left for 6 to 9 months. This time is called the bone “remodelling” phase, you will have some type of temporary replacement teeth, so that you never have to be without teeth during treatment.

3. Producing the new tooth implant

When the abutment is in place, a new impression is made, this is almost the final stage of the tooth implant procedure. It is then compared to the impression made during the initial examination. Based on a final model, a dental technician carefully crafts the crown. The crown is the artificial tooth that will be attached to the implant abutment. Special attention is given to ensuring the right colour and shape so that the new tooth looks like your surrounding natural teeth.

4. Fitting the tooth implant and check-up

When the artificial tooth is ready, your dentist simply attaches it to the dental implant. That’s all there is to it! This is usually followed by a few follow-up visits to check functionality and esthetics. In short, to make sure you are completely satisfied with your new tooth.