Dental implants are artificial (false) teeth that replace missing or damaged teeth and look and function like real ones. Implants are a long-term solution to dental problems as they are permanently attached to the jaw and can last for life with proper care, cleaning, and regular dental visits. They can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even a full mouth. Dental implants have three parts:

• Implant – metal posts (like screws) are surgically placed in or on the upper or lower jaw bone to provide a sturdy base for replacement teeth. Over time, the bone fuses with the metal to hold it in place.
• Abutment – a metal connector that screws into the implant at the base and secures it to the crown
• Crown – the top visible part of a tooth, usually made of porcelain fused metal (PFM) or zirconia to blend in with the natural appearance of your teeth

Dental implant surgery involves several steps. It may be done in a single procedure or over a few separate procedures. This allows time between procedures for healing and for your jaw bone to fuse with the implant. The entire tooth replacement process for dental implants can take 3-6 months from start to finish. The number of procedures will depend on your needs, the condition of your jawbone, and the type of implant. Here is a general guide for what to expect before, during, and after dental implant procedures:

Preparation 

Before dental implant surgery, our specialist (a dentist or periodontist) will first do the following:

• Conduct a comprehensive dental examination, including taking x-rays and 3D images of your mouth and making a model of your jaw and teeth.
• Review your medical history and ask questions to check if you have other conditions or take any medications that may interfere with the surgery or your recovery.
• Tailor a treatment plan for you based on your jaw and teeth condition and how many teeth need to be replaced.
• Provide instructions to you about eating and drinking before the surgery. At the beginning of the procedure, you will receive a local or general anesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain. You may have to fast from eating and drinking the day before the surgery.

The Procedure

Dental implant surgery generally happens in the following stages:

• Removal of the damaged tooth or teeth
• Preparation of the jawbone for surgery through bone grafting. This procedure replaces and regenerates lost bone and is usually only needed when teeth have been damaged due to trauma, injury, or decay.
• Placing of the dental implant (metal screw) into or onto the jaw bone
• The time between surgeries allows for healing and the bone to grow around the implant and hold it in place.
• Placing of the abutment that will eventually connect the implant with the artificial tooth that is visible.
• Placing of the artificial tooth/teeth (a dental crown for single teeth and dentures or a bridge for multiple teeth)

After the procedure

Following each procedure, you may experience some mild symptoms or need to change your routine slightly while your mouth heals. Here is what to expect:

• Feeling tired or groggy – This is due to the anesthetic. You may need someone to drive you home after the surgery and to take the remainder of the day off to rest.
• Pain in your mouth or bruising of your gums – This is normal, just like any other dental procedure or minor surgery. Your dentist may recommend pain medications or antibiotics to aid your recovery.
• Swelling of your gums and face – This may last a couple of days; speak to your dentist if it gets worse or does not go away.
• What you can and can’t eat – Your dentist may recommend eating soft foods, cold foods, or warm soups while your mouth heals from the surgery. You should avoid eating anything particularly hard, sticky, or chewy.