Day of dental implant

Overview

A dental implant is a small metal post that is placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. On the day of implant surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon puts the post in. It acts like the root of a tooth. Later, a crown (an artificial tooth) is put on top.

Dental implants are a common and successful way to replace missing teeth. Millions of people worldwide have them.

Anyone who has lost one or more teeth from injury, decay, or gum disease may be a candidate. You need enough healthy jawbone and good overall health to support the implant.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Mild pain or discomfort where the implant was placed
• Swelling of the gums and face near the implant
• Minor bleeding from the surgical site
• Bruising of the skin or gums
• Numbness from the anaesthetic that wears off after a few hours

Symptoms in children

• Dental implants are rarely placed in children because their jaw is still growing. If done, symptoms are similar to adults, but children may need extra reassurance.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have a higher risk of delayed healing. Expected symptoms are the same as for others, but careful monitoring for infection is important.

Causes

Main causes

• Tooth loss from decay or injury
• Missing tooth from birth (congenitally missing)
• Tooth removed due to severe gum disease

Risk factors

• Smoking, which slows healing
• Poor oral hygiene
• Untreated gum disease
• Diabetes that is not well controlled
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Certain medications that affect bone healing, such as bisphosphonates used for osteoporosis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms above
• If your implant feels loose or comes out
• If you have a rash or difficulty breathing

Book a routine appointment if:

• You will have scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist
• Call your dentist if you have concerns about pain, swelling, or how the area is healing

Diagnosis

Before the day of surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and often a CT scan to check the health and thickness of your jawbone. This is done weeks ahead of time.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays (panoramic or periapical)
• CT scan of the jaw
• Examination of your teeth and gums
• Review of your medical history and any medicines you take

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of the procedure, you arrive at the dental clinic. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area. Sometimes sedation is offered if you are anxious. The dentist makes a small cut in your gum, drills a hole in the bone, and places the implant. Then they stitch the gum closed. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions. The whole visit usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Treatment

Dental implant surgery is a minor operation to place a titanium post into your jawbone. This post serves as an artificial tooth root. After the bone heals around the post, a custom-made crown is attached to complete the tooth. The day of surgery focuses on placing the post.

Self-care at home

• Follow your dentist's instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home if you have sedation
• Have soft foods and ice packs ready at home
• Avoid hot foods and drinks for the rest of the day
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products for at least 24 hours
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after 24 hours, if your dentist advises
• Take any pain relief medications exactly as your dentist instructs

Medical treatments

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to take before and/or after surgery to prevent infection. They may also recommend a specific pain reliever. Always follow the dosage instructions from your dentist or pharmacist. Do not share medications.

When is surgery considered?

The implant placement surgery itself is the main treatment. In some cases, a second smaller procedure is needed later to expose the implant and attach a healing cap, but this is not part of the day of the initial placement.

Living with this condition

After the implant is placed, rest for the remainder of the day. You can usually return to normal activities the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for a few days. Expect some swelling and discomfort for 2 to 3 days. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to check healing.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods for at least a few days
• Do not use a straw for the first few days – the sucking motion can disturb the implant site
• Keep the surgical area clean by gently rinsing with salt water after meals, starting 24 hours after surgery
• Brush your other teeth as usual, but be very gentle near the implant site

Diet and exercise

Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid very hot or spicy foods. Gradually add firmer foods as healing allows. For exercise, light activity is fine, but avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts for about a week to prevent bleeding.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel some worry or discomfort before and after the procedure. Most people find that the benefits of a restored smile and the ability to eat normally far outweigh the temporary discomfort. If you feel very anxious or depressed, talk to your dentist or a mental health professional.

Prevention

You can help prevent complications by following your aftercare instructions closely. Good oral hygiene before and after surgery lowers the risk of infection. Avoid smoking and keep chronic conditions like diabetes under control. Attend all follow-up appointments so your dentist can check your progress.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection around the implant (peri-implantitis)
• Implant failure – the implant does not fuse with the bone
• Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue
• Sinus problems if the implant is in the upper jaw and pushes into the sinus cavity

Long-term outlook

Dental implants have a high success rate – over 95% in healthy people. With good care, they can last many years, often a lifetime. The day of surgery is just the first step; healing takes time, but most people are very satisfied with the result. If complications happen, they can often be treated. Your dentist will guide you through the process.

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