Your Guide to Dental Implant Surgery

There are many reasons why people experience tooth loss: cavities, gum disease, and physical trauma are some factors that may lead to gaps in your smile. Missing teeth may cause embarrassment, reduced chewing capacity, and bone loss. 

Luckily, there is a reliable way to restore your dental health and beautiful smile. For eligible patients, dental implants are the most durable, functional, and natural-looking solution there is. If you’re considering undergoing dental implant surgery, read on to learn more about the course of this procedure. At our center in Temecula, CA, a reputable dental implants specialist can explain the process to you in even greater detail. 

How are dental implants done step by step?

The exact steps that your dental specialist will take depend on the state of your jawbone and the type of implant. It is usually carried out gradually, in multiple appointments over the course of a few months. Leaving some time between different stages allows for adequate healing. Generally, the steps that go into placing a dental implant are:

1. The removal of a damaged tooth: This step is only done if the tooth hasn’t been extracted or lost before. It typically takes just one appointment, but you’ll usually have to wait for several weeks before you can have dental implant surgery.

2. Grafting: This procedure is done to prepare the jaw bone in case it’s not strong enough to support the implant. A graft is placed to encourage new bone growth. This step may take several months because this is how long the bone may need to grow.

3. The placement of the implant: Your surgeon will make an opening in your bone to place the implant that will act as the root of the tooth. They can also place a temporary denture you can use until the implant is restored.

4. Allowing time for the bone to heal: During this time, your bone will fuse with the metal post. This is called osseointegration and can take a few months to complete.

5. The placement of the abutment: The abutment is the component of your implant to which the crown is attached. Your surgeon will attach it to the metal post and close your gums around it. Sometimes, this is performed along with the previous step and in other cases, it’s done later.

6. The placement of the artificial tooth: Once your gums have healed from the previous procedure, your specialist will make impressions to create a precision-crafted crown that perfectly fits your surrounding teeth. The procedure will be finalized by placing the crown.

Are you put to sleep for a dental implant?

Typically, oral surgery doesn’t require general anesthesia, so you’ll be awake during the procedure. However, it is done with local anesthesia to minimize your discomfort. A local anesthetic will be applied to the area of your mouth where the surgery will take place. It will either be applied with a fine needle or through a topical cream. 

There are also different sedation options that can calm your nerves and put you at ease. You can discuss this with your oral surgeon.

Where in Temecula, CA can I find a qualified dental implants specialist?

Here at Temecula Center for Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants, Dr. Tsvetov uses sophisticated methods to place long-lasting and natural-looking dental implants. He has extensive experience performing oral surgery for patients from Temecula and the nearby areas. 

You can schedule your free initial consultation to check if you’re a good candidate for this procedure and learn more about the many benefits of dental implants. Thanks to Dr. Tsvetov’s expertise, experience, and compassionate bedside manner, your smile and oral health will be restored with minimal discomfort. Give us a call to get the best standard of care!