Getting dental implants means you will be able to regain your smile, your self-esteem, and comfort while eating your favorite foods. Many patients are anxious about dental implants, not because they don’t like the result, but because they have questions about the actual dental implant surgery process and recovery. When you are informed, you have less to worry about! Learn what your journey to get dental implants in Sacramento, CA may look like, from the implant surgery to healing and the dental implant restoration.
Preparing For Dental Implant Surgery
Getting good results starts with detailed planning. At the beginning of implant treatment, we perform a consultation. It helps us understand your oral health, the condition of your jawbone, and other health conditions so we can decide if dental implants are the right fit for you.
We use advanced dental imaging and 3D treatment planning to determine where implants may fit best in your mouth and predict which areas are likely to heal. Our patients benefit from the predictability of implant treatments that have been carefully planned out in advance to maximize success.
Your Dental Implant Treatment Plan
Your specific treatment plan will determine whether you only need one implant, more than one, or if you will also have other dental procedures beforehand, such as bone grafting. Your implant dentist reviews all of this with you ahead of the surgery, including the timeline involved and answers to any questions you may have.
The Day Of Your Dental Implant Placement Surgery
The Implant Placement Surgery
Implant placement surgery is a relatively simple procedure in which a metal rod (called an implant) is inserted into the jawbone. After numbing the treatment area and placing any necessary sedation for comfort, the implant is placed into the jawbone by making a small opening in the gum tissue.
Once the titanium implant rod is in place, it can serve as the artificial root of the replacement tooth or teeth and will support a tooth restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). Your jawbone will grow around the implant as the tissue around it heals. Patients often find implant placement to be less uncomfortable than they thought it would be and that the recovery process is easy to manage.
Sedation
Your level of comfort during the procedure is important. Depending on your dental needs and personal preference, we may offer sedation dentistry options for your appointment. We will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to explain what to do to manage your dental implant placement site at home and what to expect.
The First Few Days After The Implant Placement
Healing Period
The first few days of implant recovery are for the implant site to heal properly and the implant site to be protected from trauma. Slight swelling, sensitivity, or minor discomfort is expected after the implant surgery. However, patients generally do recover from the initial recovery symptoms within about a week’s time.
You may be asked to:
- Follow all post-operative instructions.
- Eat softer foods in the early healing phase.
- Keep your dental implant area clean as instructed.
- Avoid trauma to the implant and bone site during healing.
- Take any medications as advised.
Most patients can return to routine daily activities within a few days after their implant surgery. Your personal implant healing will depend on the individual patient as well.
Understanding Your Dental Implant Treatment Results
One of the main reasons implants are highly successful is the fact that they are connected to your bone, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration involves the bone healing onto the surface of the implant and forming a secure and solid bond to the jaw. The implant now acts as a natural tooth root. It is important to note, though, that while the implant might feel solid during the early stages, it still must be integrated with the bone over a period of several months. Osseointegration usually takes a few months to complete. The actual time period varies and is determined by factors like the quality of the bone, the general health of the patient, and the treatment approach used.
What Occurs In The Months Afterward
Throughout the healing process, you will be asked to return for follow-up appointments so we can check on your implant and healing. You’ll be able to ask us anything that you are wondering about, and we will be able to tell you how the bone has integrated, what your gums look like, and how your implant healing is progressing. This process is important so that you will maintain your dental hygiene while going through the process of treatment.
Signs You Are Healing Well
Even though every patient may have a different healing process, there are a few things that you should be looking at to make sure you are healing properly:
- A decrease in soreness and inflammation
- Healthy gums surrounding the implant
- The position of the implant is stable
- You feel comfortable when doing the things you normally do throughout your day
- There are no signs of infection or irritation
We will monitor every part of the healing process.
Your Final Restoration
Once your implant has fully integrated with your bone, your final restoration can then be put in. It may be a crown, bridge, or implant-supported tooth, depending on the specific treatment plan you are following. It will be created to match the size, color, and shape of your other teeth. It is our goal that the new tooth looks natural, feels comfortable, and blends well with the rest of your teeth and gums. It’s one of the most exciting parts of treatment for most patients, as it is now they will be able to enjoy the full benefits of their new implant!
After Implant Treatment: Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Dental implants are intended to be a long-term solution and are meant to last many years, if not a lifetime, but they do require daily care to maintain healthy gums and bone for the health and strength of your dental implant. Some of the things you can expect to have in your ongoing care and treatment plan:
- You are to brush and floss daily
- Routine dental care visits will need to be kept up with
- Be sure not to use tobacco products
- Any habits, such as clenching or grinding teeth, need to be addressed and treated
If you are able to maintain your dental implant properly, it can last a lifetime, in some cases. We hope that by following these suggestions, your implants will last for several decades!
Why Patients Choose Premier Dentistry For Implant Treatment
At Premier Dentistry, we want your dental implant treatment to be comfortable and easy to understand. We will take our time and explain every step of the procedure to answer any questions you may have. It is our goal to treat each patient and to provide a treatment plan that not only has successful treatment but also long-lasting benefits.
From our advanced technology in planning, diagnosis, and treatment to the restoration stage, our treatment continues at our practice until you leave the office for good. We know it’s a big decision for you to make to replace your missing teeth, and we would like to be by your side. It’s our mission to make you feel confident throughout the process.
Beginning Your Dental Implant Treatment
Knowing what to expect during dental implant treatment and how it heals can make the procedure more comfortable and a little less scary to you. With proper care and long-lasting treatment options, dental implants can provide a beautiful and durable solution for your missing teeth.
If you are interested in starting dental implant treatment to replace your missing teeth, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Premier Dentistry today in Sacramento, CA, and let our team of experts assist you in getting the smile you desire and the long-lasting benefits of implant dentistry.