What Should You Expect During Dental Implant Placement?
Serving Patients in Vancouver WA
Initial Dental Implant Exam
Your first visit with our implant dentist, Dr. Lewis, will be a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for extractions and dental implants. Your dental implant consultation will involve the following:
- A 3D-scan of your jaws: Dr. Lewis will scan your mouth and perform a virtual extraction and implant surgery on his computer while you watch on a monitor. This helps him determine which areas of your mouth are best to have your implants placed.
- Photos of your teeth and jaws: Additional X-rays may be necessary if any of your natural teeth will stay.
- A full review of your medical and dental history: During this time, it is also important that you provide your dentist with an accurate list of all the medications you are currently taking, as you may need to stop some of them prior to surgery.
- Review the breakdown of dental implant costs.
- Review and sign consent forms for your dental implant procedure.
- Your dentist will hear any questions or concerns you may have
- You’ll schedule your dental implant surgery!
After you schedule your dental implant surgery, we’ll send you home with prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and a sedative (Valium) if desired. If you take the sedative for the surgery, it is illegal for you to drive, so a ride will be required.
Dental Implant Surgery
Following the initial consultation, your next appointment at our dentist’s office is your dental implant surgery. Before your surgery, you’ll want to eat at least 1-2 hours beforehand to have some nourishment in your system. We are one of the most trusted dental offices, and our staff will provide you with great care during your entire dental implant procedure.
- We start by using a high-strength topical jelly and place it in the areas where we will administer the anesthesia. The topical jelly really helps limit the amount of discomfort you feel from the anesthetic.
- We do not start your procedure until we verify with you that you have achieved total and profound numbness. You will be able to feel some pressure and vibrations throughout the procedure, but you should not be in any discomfort. If you do experience any discomfort whatsoever, you will be instructed to raise your hand and let us know right away.
- We will frequently check in with you during your surgery to make sure you are doing well.
- Additional anesthesia will be given as needed to keep you comfortable during your visit.
- After your extractions and implants are completed, sutures may be placed. The sutures are resorbable and typically come out in 3-5 days on their own.
- Many times, smoothing of the bone is required during the extraction and implant placement. The term used is “alveoloplasty” and is necessary to form an ideal site in the bone for the implant, as well as round, bulbous areas of bone to help with the fit of the denture.
- An X-ray will be taken to verify correct implant placement and position. If you have dentures, they will be adjusted to fit passively over the implants and will not engage the implants until after your 90 day follow-up exam and x-rays.
Post Dental Implant Exam
This important exam is to determine how well the dental implant has integrated into your jawbone. In the months while you are healing, your jawbone and the dental implant are growing together. This is called osseointegration. Your dental implant dentist, Dr. Lewis, will take the appropriate X-rays or scans to evaluate that the implants have fully healed and are ready to be attached to what is called an abutment. This small connector is placed on the dental implant right above your gumline. It’s what your implant crown will attach to.
Most implants are determined to be successful at this appointment. If this is the case, you will make a final appointment at our office so your implant dentist can fit your implant crown to the implants, where you can finally start taking advantage of your new and stable teeth.
Is Everyone a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Simply put, no. If you are determined not to be a good candidate for dental implants, we may refer you to an oral surgeon. This is usually because there is not enough bone for dental implant placement, and there are bone-grafting procedures that may make it possible to have dental implants placed.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, dental implants are completely safe, especially when they’ve been installed by a highly experienced professional. Dental implants have been used safely for over 50 years in patients with good oral health and overall health. In fact, they’re the preferred method of dental restoration, and dental implant surgery is 98% effective. However, there are a few instances when your dentist may choose not to use dental implants.
Every patient is unique, so it’s important to talk with your dentist and detail any medical conditions while in the planning stages of dental implants. Although dental implants have a high success rate, there are rare cases when they can fail. Those factors include:
- Gum disease
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes that is poorly controlled
- Insufficient jaw-bone
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Failing to follow the dentist’s instructions
To minimize the likelihood of dental implant failure, you should follow your dentist’s instructions and properly take care of your oral health and overall health.
How Soon After Tooth Extraction Can You Receive an Implant?
Most patients have their extractions done and their implants placed at the same time. There are some circumstances that require implants to be placed 3-6 months following the extractions for ideal implant placement. Dr. Lewis will thoroughly review his recommendations for your individual case, which can widely vary from one patient to another.
How Painful is a Dental Implant?
Everyone has a different pain tolerance, so what one person describes as pain may only be minor discomfort for another. However, the majority of patients who’ve received dental implants say there is minimal discomfort during the procedure and minor soreness in the days following the procedure – which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
Getting a dental implant requires surgery, so it’s understandable to be anxious or apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. Fortunately, the procedure is simple, and your dentist will take all of the necessary steps so you’re safe and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect during your dental implant procedure to help provide peace of mind.
- An IV is inserted into your arm or hand (this may be uncomfortable if you have a fear of needles)
- You may be asleep during the actual implant procedure, so you won’t experience any pain
- Immediately after your procedure, your mouth will still be numb. Your dentist may prescribe you with 24-hour pain medication, in addition to a painkiller.
- The first 24 hours are when you’ll likely experience the most discomfort and soreness. But this can be easily managed with pain medication.
- After a few days, you should no longer experience soreness
Are You Put to Sleep for Dental Implants?
Generally, patients are not put to sleep for dental implants. A local anesthetic may be sufficient if you’re only having one or two implants done. This will temporarily numb the area, so although you’re awake during the procedure, you won’t feel a thing. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we believe this to be the most effective method of sedation due to its being inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy to administer.
IV Sedation & Laughing Gas: What it means to be “Put to Sleep”
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and intravenous therapy (IV) are two methods of sedation that other dentists administer. Some recommend IV sedation to help minimize the discomfort and anxiety patients may feel during the implant procedure. However, you have to be in good health to have an IV, because it can be potentially dangerous and produce unpleasant side effects. Before having your dental implant surgery, be sure to talk with your dentist about the types of anesthesia they offer to help you make the best decision.
Our Oral Conscious Sedation
At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer oral conscious sedation for dental implant procedures. This method of sedation will make you groggy or even cause you to fall asleep, but you can be easily awoken with a gentle prod. Oral sedation affects your motor skills and memory, so you’ll need a ride home after your procedure.
We do not offer any kind of sedation that is guaranteed to leave you fully unconscious. If you believe this is the best option for you, please consult another dentist. Alternatively, give us a call with any questions you have about oral conscious sedation!
Do They Sedate You for Dental Implants?
Yes, most patients are sedated before their dental implant procedure, because it is so invasive. But it also comes down to how many implants you’re having placed. If only a couple will be installed, your dentist may opt for a local anesthetic instead. A local anesthetic will numb the area, so you’ll still be conscious, but you won’t feel any pain. Regardless, your dentist will offer you some kind of anesthetic so you’re safe and comfortable during your procedure.
Determining the Anesthetic
There are different forms of anesthesia that can be used during your implant procedure. Some may be more necessary than others, depending on how many implants you’re receiving, your health, and your comfort level. For example, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or an IV may be used if bone grafts are necessary or if you’re having a full mouth of dental implants installed. To learn more about which anesthetic is right for you, talk with your dentist. They have a better understanding of your health and the procedures you’ll be undergoing.
Can Dental Implants Be Done In One Day?
Traditional dental implants will take several months of healing before you can eat and brush with them like normal, because the implant has to fuse with the jaw bone in a process called, “osseointegration.” But with all-on-4 dental implants, you can walk away with a new smile in just a day. The surgery takes about 2 ½ hours and has a 98 percent success rate.
What are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 implants, often called, “same-day implants” or “teeth-in-a-day” have just four implants that support an entire denture, whereas traditional implants have a crown for each implant. All-on-4 implants are made of titanium and acrylic or zirconium. They function like natural teeth, look like natural teeth, and are permanent. If you’re in good health, don’t smoke, or have an autoimmune disease, you may be a candidate for all-on-4 dental implants. You’ll want to have a consultation with an experienced dentist to see if these implants are right for you.
Can I Replace All My Teeth with Dental Implants?
Yes, of course, you can replace all of your teeth with dental implants. In addition to functioning like natural teeth, dental implants are stable and designed to last a lifetime. Keep in mind, dental implants are versatile, so there are a variety of ways to fully restore your teeth with them.
- Individual dental implants: Individual crowns are made and secured to each implant. They aren’t connected to other teeth, and you brush and floss as normal. The process for a full mouth of dental implants can take months as the jaw bone and implant must fuse together before a crown is placed.
- All-on-4 implants: A denture is attached to four angled implants, these can be done in a single day and are more affordable than traditional full-mouth implants.
- Implant-supported dentures: A prosthetic denture snaps into implants and rests on the gums. They are removed nightly for cleaning and are the most affordable option.
Every method has a different process and cost, you’ll want to talk with your dentist to learn what treatment option may be best suited to your needs and your budget.
How Can I Make My Dental Implants Heal Faster?
In the first two days following your dental implant surgery, you’ll want to have a liquid-only diet, then on the third day, you’ll want to incorporate soft foods like pancakes, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. In addition to keeping track of your diet, you’ll want to:
- Rest
- Use ice to help reduce swelling
- Brush very carefully
- Use medication for pain management
After your dental implant surgery at Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry in , we’ll send you home with forms about aftercare and inform you about eating habits that need to be changed as you heal.
Contact our office today if you would like to schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Lewis. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we believe you should get the dazzling smile you deserve – and we accept most major insurance providers!