Oral Surgery Techniques – Placing a Dental Implant

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

Before your dental implant is placed, you may need to have the bone in the area built up by bone grafting to increase the chance of success. If you do undergo a bone graft, you must wait four to 12 months for your mouth to heal before dental implants can be inserted into your jawbone. Keep in mind that you will be able to wear a temporary bridge or dentures, so you will not be without teeth for this period.

A majority of dental implants are placed in two phases. Some of the newer implants, however, can be placed a single visit.

Surgery Number One

Before surgery, you may receive pain medication, antibiotics or opt for sedation dentistry to decrease the any pain or discomfort you may experience.

To place the implants, an incision will be made into your gums to expose your bone. A hole will then be drilled in your bone, and the implant inserted into that hold. An x-ray will be taken to ensure the implant is in the correct position, and then your gum will be stitched over your new implant.

Often times, placing a single dental implant takes about an hour. You will feel some pain after this procedure, but most patients agree it is generally mild.

Post-Operative Care

After your surgery, you will be given pain medication and antibiotics to assist in your recovery. Here are some basic tips to follow:

• Eat soft foods only
• Do not suck on straws, smoke or spit. These behaviors can slow the healing process.
• For the next two weeks, clean your mouth except for the implant area. You will return to the dentist seven to 10 days following surgery to have your stitches removed.

Surgery Number Two

After you wait several months for your bone to bond with your implant, the second surgery can take place. For the second surgery, a small incision will again be made into your gum—this time exposing your implant. The protective screw will be removed from your implant and replaced with a metal healing abutment called a collar. This small cylinder sits above or below your gums, in the area where your tooth would be. It holds the space so that your gums heal properly around your new implant.

While rare, your implant may not have bonded successfully to your bone, and will need to be removed. If this happens, a second attempt can be made months down the road.

If you are interested in oral surgery and you live in the Beverly Hills/Los Angeles area, please contact our office to schedule your free consultation. Our knowledgeable doctors and staff can help you devise a treatment plan that can have you looking and feeling great in no time. Please call us today.