After Implant Placement FAQ

• Does it hurt to have dental implants placed?
• How long does the process take?
• Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?
• Will I need bone grafting?
• Will one doctor do everything?
• What are the potential problems after dental implant surgery?
• How long will the implants last?
• When are the replacement teeth attached to the implant?
• How do I clean my new teeth?
• Are dental implants expensive?
• What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

Does it hurt to have dental implants placed?

No, dental implant surgery is performed under your choice of a variety of anesthesia options, and the surgical site is always kept numb during the procedure and for sometime after. You may have some soreness post-op but it is usually resolved with over-the-counter pain medications.

How long does the process take?

The entire process takes 4-12 months, depending on your need for bone grafting and the complexities of your case. If bone grafting is needed prior to implant placement, it will need to heal for about 5 months before the implant can be placed. After an implant is placed, it needs to heal for about 4 or 6 months before the crown (the tooth) is placed by your dentist. 

Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?

Most of our patients take the day of surgery off, but are able to resume work or school the following day.

Will I need bone grafting?

Generally speaking, those who have been missing a tooth for a month or more will need to have bone grafting prior to dental implant surgery. Our state of the art 3D imaging will determine if you are a candidate for bone grafting.

Will one doctor do everything?

Dr. Haynie will place the implant and your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.

What are the potential problems after dental implant surgery?

Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Occasionally, some people develop post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment. Even though great care is taken to place the implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. In addition, there is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected. If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve, occasionally it is irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin, or tongue. Usually, these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.

How long will the implants last?

Implants usually last a lifetime. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees). However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant usually can be placed.

When are the replacement teeth attached to the implant?

The implant will need to heal in your mouth for about 4 to 6 months depending on the stability when it was placed. After the healing time, your dentist will attach the tooth/teeth. 

How do I clean my new teeth?

As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes and floss. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually may need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Are dental implants expensive?

Dental implants cost more upfront than bridges or dentures, but over time the gap in cost begins to close because dental implants can last a lifetime, while bridges and dentures require regular maintenance and replacement.

What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

Patients that are missing a lot of teeth in one row can typically benefit from a full-arch replacement – a procedure in which a fixed denture is attached to four to six implants.

If you are missing a tooth and are looking for a better solution, please call Lakeside Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today.