Home News & Blog What Is Dental Implant Surgery And Should I Feel Anxious About It?

What Is Dental Implant Surgery And Should I Feel Anxious About It?

11th January 2022

Dental implants are considered the gold standard of missing tooth replacement. Over recent years, implant-based restorations have grown in popularity because they look, feel and act just like natural teeth. But what is dental implant surgery, and should you feel anxious about it?

Dental implant surgery is the process of placing a titanium implant post into the jaw at the missing tooth site. The implant acts as a tooth root that, when fully stabilised, can support a dental crown, a dental bridge, or become one of four or six dental implants supporting an entire denture.

Dental implant surgery can improve a person’s quality of life, particularly if they suffer from multiple missing teeth or have ill-fitting dentures.

The type of dental implant and the condition of your jaw will determine how dental implant surgery is performed and may be carried out in several stages. A consultation at your local dental clinic will allow your dentist to suggest a tailored treatment plan.

So, now you know what dental implant surgery is, why is it done?

Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone by an oral surgeon or an experienced implant dentist, where they take on the role of artificial tooth roots. Because the implant fuses with the jawbone, it means that your new teeth, unlike dentures, won’t move, make a noise, or exacerbate bone loss.

Generally speaking, dental implants may be a suitable treatment if you;

Have one or more missing teeth
Have healthy oral tissues
Have a fully grown jawbone
Have sufficient bone to support the implants or can have a bone graft
Don’t have any medical conditions that affect healing
Are committed to several months of treatment
Don’t want to or are unable to wear dentures
Don’t smoke tobacco products
Want to improve your speech.

Are there any risks?

Like any surgery, dental implant surgery does pose some health risks. However, problems are few and far between. They are usually minor and easily treated when they do occur.

Risks include:

Nerve damage can cause pain or tingling in your lips, gums, chin, and natural teeth
Infection at the dental implant site
Injury to surrounding blood vessels or other teeth
Sinus problems should an implant in the upper jaw protrude into a sinus cavity

How to prepare for dental implant surgery?

The planning process may involve several dental visits. Dental implant planning typically involves an initial consultation with a dentist, followed by dental x-rays and 3D images, models of your teeth and jaw, and a review of your medical history.

This information enables the implant team to create a tailored treatment plan.

So, what is involved in dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery is a multi-stage process typically carried out chair-side by a dentist or oral surgeon. The process typically consists of the following steps.

Removal of the damaged tooth
A bone graft (if needed)
Placement of dental implant
Abutment placement
Crown placement

Overall, treatment takes anywhere between four and nine months to complete.

***Placing the* *dental implant***

Before commencing dental implant surgery, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to minimise pain or discomfort. Nervous patients can also request dental sedation to help them relax during the procedure.

The dentist makes a small incision into the gums to expose the jawbone. A hole is drilled into the bone where the dental implant post will be inserted. The post is placed deeply into the gum as it acts as a tooth root.

At this stage of dental implant surgery, there is still a gap where your tooth is missing. However, a temporary removable partial denture can be attached for aesthetics.

Waiting for bone growth

Once the implant post is in your jawbone, it’s a matter of waiting several months for the jawbone to fuse into and integrate with the surface of the dental implant. This process – known as osseointegration helps provide a solid foundation for the dental crown, just as tooth roots support your natural teeth.

Preventing infection is key

Infection is the number one reason that dental implants fail. Here at No Gaps Dental, we take every possible precaution to help prevent the spread of disease and infection. In addition to strict sterilisation and hygiene within our environment, we also use hand sanitiser when entering and exiting the clinic. Before and after dental implant surgery, patients, dentists, and nurses must also hand sanitiser. It’s also essential for patients in the recovery phase to practice good oral hygiene to protect their implant and to use hand sanitiser before putting their hands near their face or mouth.

Placing the abutment

Once osseointegration has successfully occurred, you may require another minor surgery to fit the abutment. (Sometimes, this is done when dental implants are placed).

The abutment is a small component that attaches the prosthetic tooth to the dental implant and acts as a shock absorber when pressure is applied to the tooth.

The dentist opens up the gums to expose the implant and attaches the abutment. The gums are then closed around but not over the abutment. Typically, the gums take another couple of weeks to heal before the dental crown can be fitted.

Fitting the prosthetic teeth

Once the gums have healed, impressions are taken by the dentist of your mouth and teeth to make your custom dental crown, and finally, we can complete the restoration by attaching your dental crown.

Hopefully, we have answered the question ‘what is dental implant surgery’ and put your mind at ease.

Are you considering dental implants?

If so, why not contact your local dental clinic on (02) 8806 0227 to book a consultation? At No Gaps Dental we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and discuss your best tooth replacement options.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.