Overview of Implant Placement
The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and the time required can vary from patient to patient as Dr. Gadler approaches each case with great precision and attention to detail.
Before surgery, you may be prescribed antibiotics and during the procedure, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be used for added comfort. These options will be discussed during your consultation.
A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed. Then, Dr. Gadler will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone, create space using specialized instruments, and gently insert the titanium implant. The top of the implant may be visible through the gum, although it is sometimes preferable to cover the implant with gum tissue during the early stages of healing.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Dr. Gadler offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Dr. Gadler offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Healing after Dental Implant Surgery
Healing time can vary from patient to patient, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. Implants can either be done in one single stage surgery where the temporary healing abutment is placed onto the implant at the same time, or a 2-stage procedure where a cover screw is placed instead, necessitating a 2nd procedure to uncover and place the healing abutment. In most cases, implants may be restored 4 months after placement. Dr. Gadler will provide guidance on post-operative care and the timing of next steps in your treatment plan. After the initial phase of healing, if a 2-stage procedure was done, Dr. Gadler places an abutment (support post) or a healing cap onto the implant during a brief follow-up appointment. This allows the gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant.
In some cases, impressions may be taken when the implant is placed. This enables the crown to be ready by the time the implants have healed. The length of your healing process depends on a variety of factors. Follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure proper healing and determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of treatment.
With certain procedures, a soft tissue graft may be recommended to create stronger, more natural-looking, and easier-to-clean gum tissue around the implant. This procedure involves transferring a small amount of gum tissue from another part of your mouth to the implant site. This is generally a brief and comfortable procedure.
Whether you’re replacing one tooth or all your teeth, your general dentist will complete the restoration by attaching the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
When are dental implants placed?
Implants are sometimes placed several months after a tooth extraction. However, in many cases, an implant can be placed immediately following the extraction by modifying and then placing the implant into the socket that the tooth came out of. This approach simplifies the process by eliminating the need for an additional appointment. However, if there is an infection or other issues with the bone, immediate implant placement may not be the best option.
If your tooth has been missing for an extended period, the adjacent support bone may have become thinner. This happens because the root of the natural tooth is no longer present to stimulate the bone. As much as one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost within the year following tooth extraction. If there is insufficient bone, you may benefit from a bone graft to ensure the implant will have adequate support when placed in the jaw.
How many implants do I need?
Generally, one implant is placed for each missing tooth. Since many of the larger teeth at the back of your mouth have two or three roots, the most common approach is to use larger implants to replace these missing back teeth.