Understanding Your Dental Implant Surgery

If you have made the decision to get dental implants, congratulations on your future smile. You have chosen the gold standard in tooth replacement, an invaluable investment that can give you a secure, confident and natural-looking smile for the rest of your life. If you are approaching your dental implants surgery, you may have questions about the procedure. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare:

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: With the use of local anesthesia or sedation dentistry, dental implants surgery is not painful. In fact, it is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.

Q: What can I expect after the anesthesia wears off?
A: You may experience minor discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. However, there are typically no open wounds with implant surgery so any discomfort can be easily managed with ibuprofen or other type of pain reliever/anti-inflammatory.

Q: How long will the procedure take?
A: The duration of your dental implant placement depends on several factors, including the number of implants you are receiving, their location in your mouth and others. However, most simple, straightforward cases are completed within an hour.

Q: What will I be able to eat after surgery?
A: Sticking to a soft, yet nutritious diet is advised following your surgery. It is also important to stay hydrated. You should receive detailed post-operative instructions from your dentist before you leave the office to help you understand how to facilitate proper healing of your implants and protect the surgical site.

Q: How long is the entire process between having an implant placed and receiving my dental restoration?
A: In general, the process can take about two to nine months, depending on your unique treatment plan. Patients need to undergo two main phases of dental implants. First, the implants must be placed and allowed to heal by fusing to your jawbone (osseointegration). Next, a tooth replacement restoration (typically a custom crown) is fabricated and attached to the implant.

Q: How long can I expect my dental implants to last?
A: Dental implants are the most long-term solution for missing teeth. Typically, for adults over 45 years who take care of their dental implants, they can last a lifetime. The implant crown may need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years but the dental implant itself is designed to last for many years.

Q: Can my body reject a dental implant?
A: It is extremely rare for a patient to reject an implant due to allergy of the titanium post. Other patients may have a dental implant that does not properly fuse to their jawbone. However, this is not common and the implant can simply be removed and replaced at a later date.

At the office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we understand that dental implants are a significant investment that requires careful consideration. We are happy to help you understand the dental implants process so that you can feel confident in this life-changing tooth replacement solution.