Dental Implant Procedure Arroyo Grande, CA
The dental implant procedure helps restore a patient’s smile, replace missing teeth, enhance confidence in appearance, and more. Dental implants are a durable and lasting tooth replacement process that is possible within just a few months without the need for drastic changes to one’s oral health care routine. There is no reason to let a missing tooth or teeth hinder one’s quality of life. Our oral surgeon can help patients through the dental implant procedure, from the initial consultation to providing follow-up care after treatment is complete. We also strive to educate each patient on the process and answer any questions we receive along the way.
If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant procedure, call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 today and schedule a time to come in for your first visit.
Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 19% of adults aged 65 and over experience complete tooth loss (edentulism). Fortunately, dental implant procedures have a high success rate. There are cosmetic, functional, and oral health benefits to this treatment. The dental implant procedure consists of a series of steps to complete the dental implant and replacement tooth process, typically involving preparation, placement, and follow-up care.
The primary purpose of the first visit is to help the patient make an informed treatment decision. The oral surgeon may start by discussing the patient's goals for treatment, conducting an oral examination, and ordering dental X-rays to get a better idea as to what preparations the patient needs. The patient can ask any questions during this time, as well. If both our team and the patient agree to move forward, we can discuss the next steps in the process.
“The dental implant procedure consists of a series of steps to complete the dental implant and replacement tooth process, typically involving preparation, placement, and follow-up care.”
Preparing for the Procedure
Each one of our patients may have a slightly different experience. However, we take the necessary steps to ensure that our patients are ready for the day of the procedure.
At-Home Preparation
While the first dental implant procedure may cause some anxiety, patients can reduce stress and nervousness by properly preparing at home the night before. Our oral surgeon and team will provide a list of instructions before the day of the placement procedure, which may include avoiding certain foods or fasting.
We also encourage patients to shop for soft foods to have after the procedure in advance to make the recovery process more convenient. Although it may not be easy, patients need to get a decent night of sleep the night before the placement procedure.
How to Calm Fear and Anxiousness
Communication is essential when dealing with fear and anxiety. Therefore, we encourage patients to ask questions about the procedure, especially regarding preparing ahead of time. We will gladly do all we can to make the process as easy and convenient as possible.
“While the first dental implant procedure may cause some anxiety, patients can reduce stress and nervousness by properly preparing at home the night before.”
Finding the Right Option for You
Dental implant surgery involves replacing natural tooth roots with artificial roots using metal, screw-like posts that hold an artificial tooth, such as a crown or bridge. The type of surgery performed will depend on the implant type and the patient’s jawbone condition. Patients can generally choose whether they prefer a fixed or removable artificial tooth replacement. A fixed appliance is one that stays permanently in the mouth, whereas a removable appliance can be taken out for cleaning and repair.
Our oral surgeon can help patients weigh the benefits of each to determine the right choice for their needs. Some factors to consider are how many teeth are missing, how much bone and tissue is available, the ability to clean the mouth adequately, and the cost of treatment. A removable appliance is often better for patients with most or all missing teeth as they can thoroughly clean the gums and teeth.
In contrast, patients with only one or a few missing teeth are likely better off with a fixed appliance to secure the tooth between surrounding natural teeth. It is also important to note how much bone and tissue is available and whether a bone graft may be necessary for a fixed appliance. Lastly, some patients may prefer one to the other because of cleanliness or cost.
“A removable appliance is often better for patients with most or all missing teeth as they can thoroughly clean the gums and teeth.”
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Duration and Success Rate of Treatment
The dental implant procedure can take several months to complete as there are many steps involved and healing periods in between. Implant treatment requires frequent healing and waiting times to allow new bone to grow in the jaw. However, depending on the patient’s case, our oral surgeon may combine some steps to shorten the total duration of treatment. Also, some patients may not require bone grafting, which may eliminate another step.
Dental implant procedures have a success rate of about 95%, with first-ever patients reaching 20 years of successful results. Dental bridges and dentures can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Frequent follow-up appointments are included in a patient’s treatment plan to account for any changes or alterations needed throughout the duration of treatment and after.
“Dental implant procedures have a success rate of about 95%, with first-ever patients reaching 20 years of successful results.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental implant procedure?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. What happens during the dental implant procedure?
Q. What is the duration and success rate of dental implant treatment?
Q. What does the implant recovery process look like?
People Also Ask
Q. Why are dental implants a great restorative option for most people?
Q. How do dental implants and dental crowns differ?
Q. Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What questions should I ask about the recovery period?
Home Care After the Dental Implant Procedure
Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process. Still, it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine. To recover quickly and minimize discomfort after implant placement, implement the following home care techniques:
- Stick to a soft diet. Avoid foods that are hard to chew, high in sugar, or high in carbohydrates. Also, avoid any beverages that may irritate the affected area, primarily drinking water.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush gently several times daily and use mouthwash as the oral surgeon directs. Gentle brushing reduces the risk of oral infection, gum inflammation, and increased discomfort.
- Avoid physical activity. Physical activity, such as sports, weight lifting, and running, may aggravate the affected area. The risk of aggravating the affected area is especially high if one receives a blow to the face. Talk to the oral surgeon about what activities patients need during recovery.
Proper home care is essential to a quick recovery. It might be ideal to miss work for a short amount of time after implant placement and give yourself time to make the necessary arrangements for a convenient recovery process.
“Proper home care is essential to a quick recovery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a dental implant procedure take?
A. Every patient is different, but it typically takes between four to eight months to complete all stages of the dental implant procedure. The dental implant must go through osseointegration, which involves the implant fusing with the surrounding bone. This process takes between three to six months.
Q. Is the dental implant procedure painful?
A. There is typically discomfort following the implant placement, although the procedure itself is generally not discomforting for the patient. To minimize discomfort, consider eating soft foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and taking a pain reliever the oral surgeon recommends.
Q. Will I have to change my lifestyle drastically after a dental implant procedure?
A. Not really. Dental implants are artificial teeth that do not require excess oral hygiene. In many cases, patients will only have to brush and floss their teeth like normal. Along with that, the patient will be able to continue eating most types of food with dental implants.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for the dental implant procedure?
A. WebMD states that millions of Americans suffer tooth loss. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile, oral health, or missing teeth should consider the benefits of the dental implant procedure. Patients should be willing and able to endure minor oral surgery to allow for the proper placement of the implant.
Q. How long is the recovery period after dental implantation?
A. The average recovery time for dental implant surgery is between 6 to 8 months. However, cases vary from patient to patient, and some conditions may require a longer period. Recovery also depends largely on the patient’s adherence to oral hygiene practices.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
Call us at 805-476-2567 or get in touch via email to learn more about the dental implant procedure or to schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation. Our friendly team is willing and able to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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