The process of getting dental implants varies for each patient, and can include preparation, implant surgery, and then recovery. Cases differ since factors like oral health (infection, for example) or the type and number of implants needed, can affect recovery and post-operative care. The majority of implants, however, are single tooth replacements that can be quickly placed. Implant surgery can often be completed with a streamlined process thanks to the latest coating on the implant, which speeds up the integration with the bone.
To understand what to expect from dental implant treatment, it’s important to know the whole approach Dr. McCormick will take. Although the process may take a few steps, patients can enjoy the end result of beautiful new teeth. Our office offers CEREC implants, which are milled in-house for application in a single appointment, as well as traditional impression implants, which are typically require a few extra appointments to place. Your recovery process may vary a bit depending on which treatment route you choose.
Dental Implant Preparation
The first step in getting dental implants may be removing any damaged or decayed teeth that need to be replaced. This step, called tooth extraction, is a quick and common dental treatment. It’s done with anesthetic and sometimes sedation, and should be a painless process. When you need a tooth pulled to prepare for implants, this may take more recovery time before you can proceed. Sometimes, with adequate bone health in the surrounding area, a tooth can be extracted and the implant is placed immediately. This has the advantage of saving time and prevents loss of bone. Dr. McCormick will assess your situation to see if you are a candidate for immediate implants. For all implants, the office team members will go over post-operative instructions to care for the surgery site, and following those closely will help you make a quick and successful recovery.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
Knowing what to expect from your dental implant surgery can help you understand the timeline for recovery. During implant placement, Dr. McCormick will use a series of instruments to prepare the jawbone where the implant is needed. The implant is placed and secured, and its biocompatible material will eventually fuse with the bone to create a strong integration. This process takes place with anesthesia, an effective way to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free. For patients who are nervous about the treatment, we also offer sedation, hypnosis, and laughing gas. It is recommended to minimize physical activity and rest for the first few days. There is a short appointment 10 days afterward to check healing and remove sutures if needed.
It’s important to give your jawbone enough time to thoroughly heal and bond with the implant, which can take as little as six weeks, or as much as six month depending on the health of the surrounding bone.
Permanent Tooth Replacements
The next step is placing your new replacement teeth, which will be made specifically for you. We create these using either a traditional impression process, or the faster, computer-imaging based CEREC system. CEREC allows us to create crowns, replacement teeth and other dental restorations quickly in-office, and uses leading-edge ceramics technology to produce beautiful, strong, premium-quality artificial teeth.
Once made, these are usually attached to the implant with an abutment, a small connecting piece. Replacement teeth are made from tough, durable material that not only looks and feels like your real teeth, but also can stand up to biting, chewing and regular cleaning for years to come. Depending on your dental situation, you may be given removable artificial teeth or fixed tooth replacements.
It usually does not take much time for patients to get used to their new teeth, and it’s important to follow cleaning instructions carefully to ensure the long-term success of the implants. Starting with softer foods and building up to harder foods as your gums, muscles and nerves adapt is recommended. This is especially true when multiple implants have been placed.
Ensuring Long-Term Implant Health
While dental implants have an excellent success rate, there are patients who do struggle with implant health, and they typically have a few things in common: They use tobacco in some form, or they have medical conditions that interrupt healing or bone growth. You may not be able to change the latter, but smoking and other tobacco use is best avoided by anyone hoping to get dental implants, because it leads to a more compromised oral environment. Failure of the implants is uncommon, but can happen and would lead to removal of the implant.
As with all dental restoration work, patients need to take good care of their dental health afterward. Regular flossing, brushing and visits to the dental hygienist are necessary to make sure your dental implants stay healthy, just like they are for your natural teeth. If you have related conditions like gum disease that led to the loss of teeth, it’s even more important to be conscientious about your oral health to avoid future problems. Implants can also get a form of gum disease, called peri-implantitis, which can endanger the implant if not treated effectively.
Finally, if you experience pain, bleeding or swelling at any time with your implants, get in touch with Dr. McCormick and report your symptoms. They may indicate food impaction or another problem with the implant, and should be checked out by the dentist.
