If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be considering dental implants as a permanent solution to restore your smile and your confidence. Dental implants can improve your appearance, speech, chewing ability, and overall oral health. But what exactly does a dental implant procedure involve? How long does it take? And how can you prepare for it? As your trusted family dental clinic in South Surrey and White Rock, BC, our dentists at My Dentist at Morgan Creek, would like to answer these questions and more to help you understand what to expect during your dental implant procedure.
The Initial Consultation
Your journey starts with a personalized consultation at My Dentist at Morgan Creek with one of our experienced dentists. During this appointment, we will:
- Examine your mouth and may take digital X-rays and 3D imaging of your teeth and jawbone for precise planning.
- Discuss your medical history and any medications you are taking.
- Evaluate your bone density and determine if you need a bone graft before the implant surgery.
- Explain the different types of dental implants and crowns available and recommend the best option for you.
- Provide you with a detailed treatment plan, including the number of appointments, the cost, and the expected outcome.
- Answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Pre-Implant Surgery Procedures
Before the actual dental implant procedure, there may be a first surgical appointment to remove damaged or decaying teeth or pre-surgical procedures like a bone graft, a gum graft or sinus lift to ensure the implant procedure is successful. These steps are necessary to prepare your jawbone and gums for implant surgery and to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Tooth Extraction
The first surgical appointment may involve extracting any damaged or decayed teeth that need to be replaced by dental implants. This is done under local anaesthesia or sedation, depending on your preference and the complexity of the extraction.
Pre-Surgical Procedures
Pre-surgical procedures are sometimes required if you have insufficient bone or gum tissue to support the dental implants. These procedures can help regenerate or augment the bone or gum tissue in the area where the implants will be placed. These pre-surgical procedures are usually done several weeks or months before the actual dental implant procedure to allow enough time for healing and integration. You will need to follow some post-operative instructions and take antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed by your dentist.
Some of the common pre-surgical procedures are:
Bone Graft
A bone graft involves taking a piece of bone from another part of your body or using a synthetic bone substitute and placing it in the jawbone where the implant will be inserted. The bone graft will fuse with your existing bone over time and create a solid base for the implant.
Gum Graft
A gum graft is a dental procedure where a small piece of healthy gum tissue is taken from one part of your mouth and attached to an area where your gums might be receding or thin. This helps to cover exposed tooth roots or create thicker gum tissue. Gum grafts are sometimes needed before dental implant surgery because having enough healthy gum tissue is important for the success of the implant. It’s like creating a strong foundation for a new tooth. The graft can make sure the implant has proper support and looks natural when it’s placed in your mouth.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift involves lifting the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft underneath it. This is done when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or when the sinuses are too close to the jaw. The sinus lift will create more space for the implant and prevent sinus problems.
Ridge Modification / Augmentation
A ridge modification is a dental procedure that helps make the jawbone more suitable for holding a dental implant. Sometimes, when a tooth is removed, the bone in that area can become uneven or not wide enough to support an implant properly. In a ridge modification, the dentist adds or shapes the bone to create a better foundation for the implant. This can involve adding bone grafts or using special materials to reshape the bone. Ridge modification might be necessary before dental implant surgery to ensure the implant stays securely in place and works well. It’s like preparing the ground before building a strong structure – the modification helps the implant fit better and last longer in your mouth.
The Implant Surgery
The implant surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which means you will be awake but numb in the area of the operation. Depending on your case, you may also receive sedation to help you relax. The surgery involves the following steps:
- We prepare a customized surgical guide using 3-D imaging techniques, to aid accurate placement of the implant using guided implant surgery.
- An incision is made in your gum to expose the bone where the implant will be placed.
- A hole is drilled in the bone and the implant, which is a titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root, is inserted.
- The gum will be stitched and closed over the implant and, if your dentist deems it necessary, a healing cap or healing abutment is placed on top of it.
- You will be given instructions on how to care for your mouth after the surgery and you may be prescribed painkillers and antibiotics if needed.
The implant surgery usually takes about an hour per implant, but it may vary depending on the complexity of your case. You may experience some swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort for a few days after the surgery, but these are normal and temporary side effects that can be managed with ice packs, saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
The Osseointegration Process
After the implant surgery, you will need to wait for a few months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This is a crucial step that ensures the stability and durability of your implant. During this time, you will need to:
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the implant site
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
- Visit your dental implant specialist for periodic check-ups to monitor your healing progress
- Wear a temporary denture or bridge if needed to fill the gap in your smile
Once the osseointegration process is complete, you will be ready for the next stage of the dental implant procedure: placing the abutment and crown.
The Abutment and Crown Placement
The abutment is a small connector that attaches the implant to the crown (the artificial tooth that replaces your missing tooth). To place the abutment and crown, you will need to visit My Dentist at Morgan Creek for another minor surgery. During this appointment, we will:
- Reopen your gum to expose the implant
- If you have a healing cap, it will be removed and the abutment will be screwed onto the implant
- Attach the custom-made crown that matches your natural teeth in shape, size, and colour to the abutment
- Adjust the fit and bite of your crown if needed
- Give you instructions on how to care for your new tooth
The abutment and crown placement usually takes about an hour per tooth, but it may vary depending on your case. You may experience some minor discomfort for a few days after the surgery, but it should subside quickly. You will also need to visit your dentist a My Dentist at Morgan Creek for follow-up appointments to ensure that your implant is functioning properly.
Do Dental Implants Have Risks?
Dental implants are generally safe and have a high success rate. In fact, research has estimated a success rate of 97% after a 10-year period. However, like any surgery, they may involve some risks and complications, such as:
- Infection at the implant site
- Injury or damage to surrounding teeth, nerves, or blood vessels
- Nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin
- Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities
- Implant failure when the implant does not integrate with the bone or becomes loose or broken
These risks are rare and can be prevented or treated with proper planning, technique, and aftercare. Our dentists at My Dentist at Morgan Creek will discuss any risks with you before the procedure and take all the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and satisfaction.
The Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors, such as:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The type and quality of implants and crowns used
- The need for bone grafting or other additional procedures
- The experience and expertise of the dentist
- The coverage of your dental insurance
At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we strive to provide affordable and high-quality dental implants for our patients. We will give you a clear and detailed estimate of the cost of your dental implant procedure before you start the treatment. We will also work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. We also offer financing and payment options to suit your budget and needs.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation Today!
Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and your oral health. They are a long-term investment that can improve your quality of life. If you are interested in getting dental implants, contact My Dentist at Morgan Creek today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We will assess your situation and design a personalized treatment plan that meets your goals and expectations. We will also answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
We are able to offer our patients a variety of implant dentistry services, including same-day dental implants, same-day dentures, Cerec® 1 Appointment crowns. We were the first dentists to introduce guided implant surgery in the South Surrey / White Rock area in 2004 and more recently, 3D Printing technology and Cerec® CAD/CAM technology.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life. Call us today at (604) 200-3847 or fill out our online form to book an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.
