Fear of dental implant surgery almost always stems from a lack of knowledge, not understanding. Patients who have a dental implant clinic with only half-formed ideas of what to expect, ruins the experience and makes it far more than reality. A clear and honest account of what the process actually entails, from initial assessment to final recovery, removes this uncertainty and allows patients to make informed decisions from a position of knowledge rather than fear.
Initial assessment and why it takes time
Implant evaluation is not a one-time event, but a process. The physician must evaluate the health of the existing teeth and gums, the amount and quality of bone present at the implant site, the patient’s medical history, and the patient’s functional and esthetic goals for treatment. Unlike plain radiographs, a cone-beam CT scan allows the clinician to visualize the bone structure in three dimensions and to develop an accurate plan for implant placement prior to any surgical procedure. This should be a comprehensive process and patients should be wary of surgical procedures performed without proper diagnostic evaluation.
Bone evaluation and the question of grafting
After tooth extraction, the jawbone begins to resorb and gradually decreases in height and width. If the patient has been toothless for several years, the bone volume may be insufficient for simple implant placement. Synthetic material, donor bone, or bone from another part of the patient’s own mouth can be used to restore volume, but this requires several months of treatment before the implant surgery is complete. It is important to discuss the need for grafting and its implications for the overall schedule during the first consultation.
Procedure for surgical placement
In most cases, local anesthesia is used for implant placement, although sedation may be used for those with anxiety. The gum tissue is dissected to expose the underlying bone. An appropriate size canal is drilled with a series of drills and a titanium implant post is inserted into the canal. The gum is then sealed around the implant or over the implant. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of implants and if other procedures are performed at the same time. During the procedure itself, there is little discomfort, because local anesthetic is used, but there is a feeling of pressure and vibration.
Stage of healing and osseointegration
After placement, the bone forms direct contact with the surface of the implant, a process called osseointegration, which provides the implant with its functional strength. The time required for this process is 1 to 12 weeks in most patients, but it can be longer if a tonus graft has been performed or systemic conditions have affected the treatment. This time, the patient is usually given a temporary brace and certain dietary and hygiene instructions to protect the healing area. It is a wait and see period and for most patients it is not uncomfortable after the first few days after surgery.
Postoperative recovery and what to do
The days following surgery for implant placement are characterized by swelling, bruising, and pain, which can usually be controlled with pain medication. Patients recover much less than they feared before treatment. Swelling is most common during the first 48-72 hours after surgery and gradually decreases over the next week. If antibiotics are prescribed, they should be taken until the end. If the pain worsens rather than improves after the first week, or if there is any discharge from the surgical area, contact the clinic that performed the surgery as soon as possible.
Ultimate recovery
Once osseointegration is confirmed (usually by clinical examination and radiographic evaluation), the final crown, bridge, or prosthesis is cemented to the implant. Restorations are made to match the adjacent teeth in color, shape and size. Depending on the system used, it is installed either on the supporting components or directly on the implant device. This phase is simple and easy and follows the assessment phase and ends with the replacement of a functional permanent tooth, which the patient uses in the same way as a natural tooth.
Knowledge as the best preparation
Patients who know what to expect throughout the implant process are more relaxed than those who are worried. The process is well known, the results can be predicted by experienced hands, and the discomfort is manageable and temporary. Preparation is rewarded at the end of the process with a life-changing functional and aesthetic result.
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Our editorial team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions are not necessarily those of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under medical supervision, talk to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in this article.
