Dental Implants: Your Surgical Experience

Your dentist has recommended dental implants for your missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Surgery is used to place the implants in your jawbone. Most implant surgeries are performed in a dental office. Read on to learn more about what to expect with surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

To prepare for surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions. Also:

• Tell your doctor if you're taking any medications, herbs, or supplements.

• Wear comfortable clothes to the office.

• Take antibiotics as prescribed.

• If you will be sedated or asleep (under general anesthesia) during surgery, arrange for an adult to give you a ride home. Also, don't eat or drink for several hours before surgery.

During Surgery

The length of surgery depends on how many implants are placed. If you're awake, you may hear sounds or feel vibrations. But you shouldn't feel any pain.

• Upon arriving, you may be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic.

• You may also be given medication to help you relax or to make you sleepy.

• Right before surgery, the jaw is numbed.

• The surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. This allows the surgeon to prepare the bone.

• To prepare the bone, a precise hole is slowly and gently drilled into the jawbone. The size of the hole depends on the size of the implant.

• The implant is twisted or gently tapped into position.

• Then the incision is closed with stitches.

• In some cases, abutments are placed at the same time as implants. Abutments are connecting pieces that join artificial teeth (prostheses) to the implants.