Dental Implant Surgery: What to Know as a Patient

Dental Implant Surgery: What to Know as a Patient

If you have been told that you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery, now is the time to learn more about the process and what to expect. Many patients are surprised to learn that dental implant surgery is simple and easy. Individuals often think that the process is long, drawn out, and it is very painful, but this is quite far from the truth. In fact, if you were to talk to patients who have had the procedure performed, you’d be surprised at what they say.

Dental implants are specifically designed to be a replacement for the natural root in your jawbone. The artificial root is placed into your jawbone directly. Once the implants are in place, a crown will be placed on top of the root and this can be done the same day or a few weeks after the procedure is performed. Dr. Song will work with you to determine the best time to add the crowns.

Dental implant systems are generally made from a variety of materials, but the artificial tooth root is made from pure titanium or titanium alloys to ensure that your jawbone will fuse to the material. Titanium is known to provide a solid and secure fusion, so it is chosen over other options. The process of fusion is known as osseo-integration. While fusion is important, it cannot be achieved without providing an artificial tooth root that is either roughened on the surface or spiral in nature.

When patients see that the dental implant looks similar to a screw, they become scared or worried. The process is not as painful as you may think it is and we will take a look at the steps in the process below.

What to Expect: Pre-Surgery

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When you start to think about dental implant surgery, you may automatically think that the process has to be in-depth and difficult, but this is not the case. In fact, with proper planning, the process is simple and easy to perform. Dr. Song will work closely with you to ensure the pre-surgery process goes as smoothly as possible. To prepare for your procedure, Dr. Song will create a surgical guide to map out where the implants should be placed to ensure you have a good bite. In addition, he will make sure to take x-rays and CT scans.

If you are experiencing any type of anxiety, this is normal, but you should speak with your Reno, NV dentist. Dr. Song will go over all of your options with you. Local anesthetics are administered during the surgical process, but if you need to undergo sedation, Dr. Song can discuss what is available and what to expect.

What to Expect: Surgery

Site preparation is one of the most important steps in the dental implant process and it is vital you choose a qualified Reno dentist such as Dr. Song. You will undergo what is referred to as an osteotomy and this is where the hole is drilled into your jawbone. The bone itself is accessed when Dr. Song makes a couple of incisions on the gums tocreate flaps, which allow him to see the bone itself.

Once the gums are opened up, Dr. Song will then place the surgical guide into your mouth and the osteotomy sites will be created. This process is necessary to ensure the proper placement of the implants themselves. You will experience a sequence of drilling that takes place and the drilling will continue until each hole mirrors the size of the hole on the surgical guide. It is possible for the procedure to take place without cutting the gums, but cutting them allows for a precise fit.

The drilling process is vital, but it does take experience and should only be done by an experienced Reno dentist. This is because there are living tissues in your mouth and they must be handled with care. If the tissue is damaged, it can lead to bone loss, so it is important for Dr. Song to use cool water to prevent the tissues from overheating. You may experience some mild vibrations during this process, but it is tolerable and not considered to be painful, but maybe mildly uncomfortable.

Once the holes are drilled, the implants will be placed into them. The implants are sterile, and they are never to be touched, so they go straight from the package into your mouth. X-rays will then be taken by Dr. Song to ensure that the artificial root is in the proper place.

Once the process is completed, the gums will be closed and sutured with self-absorbing sutures to ensure that you do not have to have them removed.

What to Expect: Post-Surgery

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Since the tissues in your mouth are sensitive, it is possible that you will experience discomfort throughout the healing process. However, each patient is different, and your situation may vary from another patient’s experience. It is important that you talk to Dr. Song should you have any questions or concerns about the process or healing.

Typically, you will be informed that you can take over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. These medications will help with any swelling or discomfort that you may experience for the next two to three days. Sometimes, Dr. Song will prescribe you opioid medications such as codeine or hydrocodone should he think you need it. Antibiotics are almost always prescribed, as they help the tissues heal and prevent infection.

Dr. Song will provide you with a care sheet once the procedure is completed and he will also let you know if there are any special nutritional requirements that need to be met, as you may not be able to chew for a couple of days.

The after-surgery process is successful for most patients and most patients willexperience no problems whatsoever. If you would like to learn more about dental implant surgery or what to expect, contact Access Dental Care in Reno today. Dr. Song is ready to help you and educate you!