What to Anticipate During and After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a massively popular tooth replacement option to help people restore their smiles and confidence. However, it is crucial to be aware of what to expect during and after San Diego Dental Implants surgery before undergoing the procedure.

What to expect during dental implant surgery?

Typically, dental implant surgery is done with local anesthesia or IV sedation. The first step is to incision the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A hole is drilled into the jawbone to insert the implant, followed by suturing of the gum tissue.

Sometimes, a temporary tooth replacement may be placed on the implant immediately after surgery. In other cases, a healing period of several months is necessary before the permanent tooth replacement can be placed.

What to expect after dental implant surgery

After surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort, such as swelling, bruising, and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can usually be used to manage the pain.

After dental implant surgery, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco. 

Here is a more detailed breakdown of things to expect during and after surgery:

During surgery:

• You will get local anesthesia or IV sedation to numb the area and reduce discomfort.

• The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.

• A small hole will be drilled into the jawbone to accommodate the implant.

• The procedure involves inserting the implant into the drilled hole and suturing the gum tissue closed.

• The surgeon may place a temporary tooth replacement on the implant immediately after surgery, or you may need to wait several months for the implant to heal before the permanent tooth replacement can be placed.

After surgery:

• You can expect to experience some discomfort, such as swelling, bruising, and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can usually be used to manage the pain.

• Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial by regularly brushing and flossing while avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco.

• You must follow your surgeon's instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. This may include taking antibiotics, eating a soft diet, and avoiding certain activities.

• You will likely need to return to your surgeon's office for follow-up visits to monitor your healing and have the permanent tooth replacement placed once the implant is fully healed.

Healing timeline

The healing timeline for dental implant surgery varies from person to person. However, most people can expect the following:

• Immediate healing: The gum tissue around the implant will typically heal within a few weeks.

• Osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with the jawbone. This process can take several months to complete.

• Placement of the permanent tooth replacement: Once the implant is fully healed, the permanent tooth replacement can be placed. This process is quick and easy.

Recovery tips

Here are some tips for recovering from dental implant surgery:

• Following your surgeon's instructions and taking your pain medication as prescribed is essential.

• Eat a soft diet for the first few days after surgery.

• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

• Apply ice to the area around the implant to reduce swelling.

• Avoid strenuous activities until your surgeon clears you to do so.

Dental implant surgery from the top-rated dental implant center in San Diego is a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, knowing what to expect during and after the procedure before surgery is essential. Before getting dental implants, it is vital to have a discussion with your dentist or oral surgeon about the potential risks and benefits.