What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure : Part 2

What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure : Part 2

Surgery Prep

We provide you with some pre-operative instructions to follow. These may include:

• Having you rinse with a special anti-bacterial mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine.
• Asking you to stop taking antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin for 5~7 days prior to surgery.
• Prescribing antibiotics to take for a few days prior to surgery as a preventative measure.
• Asking you to eat a good breakfast on the day of surgery, unless you are planning on having the procedure done under IV sedation.
• Having someone available to bring you to the appointment and drive you home if you elected to have IV sedation.

Day of Surgery

Right before the surgery, you will get an aromatherapy treatment by S-PLANT aromatherapist to relieve the tension and enters the surgery room through an air shower for infection control. The surgical phase is done in the sterile surgery room with local anesthesia but can also be done with IV sedation.

The First Phase

1. For the surgical placement of the implant, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in your gums where the implant will go to expose the bone underneath.
3. A specialized (but quiet) drill will then be used to create a space for the implant in the bone.
4. The implant itself is then screwed in place with either a hand tool or the same implant drill used to create the initial space.
5. After the implant is snugly in place, a second component will be screwed into the implant itself and will remain in place during the healing process.
6. The gums are closed over the implant and a stitch or two may be placed.
7. Over the course of the next 3 to 5 months, the implant becomes securely attached to the bone.

The Second Phase

1. The second phase starts with the re-exposure of the implant. Another small incision is made in your gums to expose the implant unless there was a separate component placed on the implant that sits above the gums.
2. A small extension is placed on the implant for an impression taken. This component is what the lab will use to fit your new crown.
3. We will then start a series of appointments to make your new implant crown. Though some of the steps might be different in your case, they usually include making impressions of your teeth. From these impressions, they will make precise working models of your mouth, which are carefully mounted for proper alignment. Your crown is fabricated on these models.
4. The last step is the final placement of your new crown. In some cases, depending on which tooth is being restored, the dentist may want to try in the new crown before it is completely finished to check the shape and fit of it in your mouth.

Post-Surgery Discomfort 

It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. Usually, the discomfort, if any, can be treated with medicine prescribed by the office.

You should expect to be able to work from the day or the next day.

Potential Complications

• Infection around the surrounding bone and gums
• Your body's rejection of the dental implant
• Bone loss around the dental implant
• Your dental implant may fail to adhere to the bone

Implant Maintenance

Your new implant tooth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss the implant tooth as recommended by our dentist or dental hygienist. visit dentist every six months if possible, or more frequently if so advised.

---