>> Read Part 1: What to Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery

In the second part of this dental implant blog series, we will cover what you can expect on the day of your surgery. After reading this blog post, you can head into your surgery with peace of mind, knowing what to expect. We will share what you need to know before you go in for the procedure, including:

• Checking in for your dental implant surgery
• Explanation of the procedure
• How long the surgery will last
• Choosing the best dentist for you

Checking In For Your Dental Implant Surgery

Arrive at the dental office early so you have time to get settled, ask any last-minute questions, and check-in for your procedure. At Southshore Dental, we can place you under anesthesia for your procedure right here in the office. This helps the procedure go more smoothly, but it does mean you can't drive after the procedure, so make sure you arrange to have a driver pick you up and drive yourself home.

What to Expect from the Procedure

At Southshore Dental, we perform the entire procedure under one roof. Throughout this process, it is our job to make you comfortable and eliminate any pain or discomfort.

To begin, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthetic. The dentist will make an incision into your gums to expose the jaw bone. A small hole is drilled in and a titanium screw, called the implant, will be inserted into the jaw bone. On top of the implant is a healing cap, which allows your gums to heal. The length of time the surgery takes varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. After the implant is in place, the dentist will close the incision.

Many patients are surprised to learn that they won’t walk out of their implant surgery with their new tooth in place. The implant process will take multiple office visits in order to be successful. Waiting before the placement of the crown gives the area a chance to fully heal, encourages the jawbone to grow into the dental implant, keeping the implant firmly in its place.

How Long Does It Take?

The answer to this question is two-fold. The procedure to place the abutment may take several hours, depending on how much work is needed. The total length of time varies based on the number of implants, whether or not the existing teeth need to be extracted, and any other underlying factors present.

After the surgery, plan three to six months of healing before returning for the final placement of the crown(s). During this time, your dentist will monitor your healing. Once the dentist confirms that your implant is well-rooted in place, your dentist will place the crown, and your permanent tooth replacement will be complete.

Carefully Research your Dental Implant Dentist

Dental implants require a high level of precision and the right amount of healing time. While it may be tempting to go to a dentist that does it all in one day, this sets you up for the potential failure of dental implants. To get the best possible result, carefully research your dentist and only work with a trustworthy dentist.

In our next blog post, we will cover the third part of this blog series, "Dental Implants: Recovery and Maintenance."

At Southshore Dental, we care about your oral health and want what is best for you. The best way to determine if dental implants are the right option for your smile is to talk to a dentist. Reach out to Southshore Dental for a free consultation at (734) 675-0585 to discuss dental implants with a downriver dental team that cares about helping you make the best possible decision.