Dental implants consist of artificial teeth (known as crowns) that are connected to your implant root replacement. We surgically place the implant into your jawbone; the implant functions as a replacement root for your implant crown and holds your artificial tooth in place using a connector piece known as an abutment.

Preparing for Dental Implants

We’ll examine your teeth and mouth to determine if you have enough jawbone to support your dental implants. If your jawbone mass isn’t sufficient, we’ll perform a bone graft that will restore your bone density and volume.

You’re more likely to need a bone graft if your tooth has been missing for a long time. Without your tooth’s roots to stimulate your jawbone, your bone deteriorates. If you need a bone graft, it needs to heal for four to six months before we can insert your implant root replacement.

Before your dental implant surgery, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that encourage your body’s healing process. Stop smoking at least a month before and after your surgery date. Avoid alcoholic drinks a week before your surgery. Smoking tobacco or marijuana and drinking alcoholic beverages impede your healing process. You’ll need to stop eating and drinking six to eight hours before your dental implant surgery if you are being sedated for your procedure.

The process for placing Dental Implants

Before your dental implant surgery, you’ll receive IV sedation, oral sedation, or local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable.

We surgically insert the implant root replacement into your jawbone. It takes approximately four to six months for your mouth to heal before we can create your crown and attach it to the implant using the abutment.

What to expect after your Dental Implant procedure

It’s normal to experience swelling, facial bruising, minor bleeding, and discomfort throughout the process of placing dental implants, but getting a dental implant placed is almost always easier and faster to heal than having a tooth removed.

You can use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to alleviate soreness and discomfort. We will also give you antibiotics after your implant placement to minimize the risk of infection and promote quick healing. Plan on taking a few days to rest and heal after the procedure. If we use stitches during the procedure, we’ll remove them two weeks a week or so after your surgery.

Avoid smoking before and after you get your dental implants. The ingredients in and smoke from cigarettes, vapes, cigars, or marijuana interfere with your body’s healing processes by reducing blood flow and can even cause your body to reject your dental implants.