One part of the dental implant process that distinguishes it from traditional replacement tooth treatments like dentures is the fact that surgery is required. Instead of your prosthetic being attached to nothing, small dental implant posts will be placed beneath your gumline to replace your missing roots of your teeth. This part of the process may sound scary, but the reality is that it’s what makes the treatment so life-changing, and it’s minimally invasive! Read on to learn more about what you can expect during dental implant surgery to help ease your nerves.
How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
While the dental implant surgery itself typically takes up to several hours, the entire process can take upwards of a year, depending on your unique situation. The length of your procedure will be determined by how many dental implants you need to have placed to support your restoration. For example, a single dental crown will only require one dental implant to be placed, which usually takes about an hour. However, if you need to have an entire arch of teeth replaced, you may require anywhere from four to eight dental implants, which could require a surgery that lasts multiple hours.
At your initial consultation, after your dentist has created a treatment plan for you, they’ll go over what your journey will look like in greater detail, including how long your dental implant surgery will take. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always ask them during your visit!
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
The great news is that you won’t feel any pain during your surgery. This is because the first step your dentist will take before they begin is numbing the area of your mouth that will be treated using local anesthesia. The procedure won’t begin until that area is completely numb, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. So, in short, you won’t feel any pain!
How Long is the Recovery Process After Dental Implant Surgery?
After your surgery, you’ll want to take a day or two off of work to recover. At first, you may feel sore, and your gums can feel tender, but be sure to take any prescribed medication as directed and follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. These typically include placing a cold compress on the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, and sleeping with your head elevated above your heart. Usually, patients are able to return back to their daily routines either the very next day, or the second day after their surgery!
If you’ve never undergone an oral surgical procedure, you should have questions, and your dentist will be happy to answer them for you, so don’t hesitate to ask. With the knowledge you need to feel confident moving forward with getting dental implants, you’ll be able to take the next steps on your journey towards restoring your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience practicing dentistry, as well as advanced training in the placement and restoration of dental implants. With his knowledge, expertise, and education-focused approach to care, he aims to ease his patients’ concerns and answer all questions to help them feel comfortable doing what’s best for their smiles. For questions or to schedule a dental implant consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.