At your first surgery for a dental implant placement, your doctor may give you a sedative to make your visit more comfortable. We may ask you to bring someone along with you so that they may drive you home after the surgery. The first surgery places the anchors (screws or cylinders) into your jawbone. After this first surgery the success of the implant will depend upon how well the anchor osseointegrates (bone attaches to the implant) with your jaw. This may take 3 to 6 months from the first procedure.
How Implants Are Placed
Once it is determined that the anchors are properly secured, your second surgery will be scheduled. The second surgery is typically much shorter than the first surgery. Again, the doctor may give you a sedative to make make you feel more comfortable. During this surgery, the doctor will attach abutments that will join the anchors to the crown. Once the abutments are in place and your jawbone and gums have healed, you're ready for your new teeth.
Case Illustration of implants serving as an anchor for a bridge.
A small incision
is made
| The anchor is
exposed
| The abutment is twisted into the implant anchor | In some cases, a healing abutment
is placed | The bridge or crown is put into place after 3 to 4 week |
After your surgery...
Immediately after your surgery you will rest for a few minutes and bite on gauze to stop any bleeding. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription pain medication for your comfort. The follow up home care is important in preventing infection and aiding the healing process. A few days after the surgery you will begin to clean the abutments with a small, soft toothbrush. It is important to eat a soft food diet and follow your doctor's instructions. After a few days you will return to your dentist to be sure your gums are healing. If you wear a denture, you will want to have it fitted with a new lining after the abutment surgery.
