820 W Laraway Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451
Implant Placement In New Lenox, IL
The Surgical Procedure for Dental Implants
The procedure to place a dental implant typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required can vary depending on the patient. During the procedure, the surgeon will pay close attention to detail and ensure precision.
Prior to the surgery, you may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Additionally, for enhanced comfort, you may receive intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options will be discussed with you during your consultation appointment. To numb the area where the dental implant will be placed, a local anesthetic will be administered.
Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. Special instruments will be used to create space, and the titanium implant will be gently inserted. In some cases, the top of the implant may be visible through the gum, while in others, it may be covered by the gum tissue during the initial stages of healing.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
The healing process now commences, which can differ in duration depending on the individual's bone quality and quantity. In certain instances, implants may be restored immediately after placement. The surgeon will provide guidance on follow-up care and timing. Following the initial healing phase, a brief follow-up visit is scheduled where the surgeon places an abutment or healing cap onto the dental implant. This promotes gum tissue maturation and grants access to the implant.
Sometimes, impressions are taken during the implant placement to prepare the crown in advance for when the implants have fully healed. The duration of your mouth's healing process depends on various factors. Typically, one to four follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing progress and determine when you can proceed with the restorative phase of your treatment.
Performing a soft tissue graft can be advantageous in obtaining gum tissue that is stronger, easier to clean, and more natural-looking around the implant. This procedure entails transferring a small portion of gum tissue from one area of your mouth to the implant site. Typically, it is a quick and relatively painless process.
Your dentist will fit the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant, whether it's one tooth or all of your teeth being replaced.
When are dental implants typically inserted?
Implants are typically placed several months after tooth extraction. However, in some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after extraction, although this carries a slightly higher risk. The advantage of immediate implant placement is that it simplifies the process, eliminating the need for another appointment. However, if there are any issues with infection or bone problems, immediate implant placement is not recommended.
If a tooth has been missing for a while, the surrounding bone that supports it is likely to become thinner and shrink. This happens because the root of the natural tooth is needed to stimulate the bone. In the year following tooth extraction, up to one third of the jaw's thickness can be lost. If there is not enough bone present, it may be necessary to have additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures that the implant will have sufficient support when it is placed in the jaw.
How many implants is needed?
Typically, a single implant is used for each missing tooth. However, since the larger teeth at the back of your jaws often have multiple roots, it is common to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.
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