Missing teeth can be a real problem – both functionally and aesthetically. It’s hard to feel confident when you’re missing teeth, and the gaps left behind by missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak.
Today, a missing tooth is no longer a problem. Various teeth replacement options are available, thanks to advancements in dentistry. One of these options is dental implants.
Dental implants look like small titanium screws. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots, stimulating bone growth, and providing a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement options available. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
If you’re missing some teeth and considering dental implant surgery, you’d want to know what to expect during treatment. This blog post will provide information on preparing for surgery and the risks associated with the procedure. By knowing what to expect, you’ll be able to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Keep reading to learn more.

How Can You Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?
Undergoing dental implant surgery is a big decision that can improve your life. It is a safe and relatively painless but complex process that requires careful planning and preparation.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your dental implant procedure:
- Choose an experienced oral surgeon:
This is one time when you don’t want to choose the cheapest option. Make sure to find an experienced oral surgeon who has performed dental implant surgery many times. - Schedule an initial consultation:
During this visit, your dental surgeon will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment options. You’ll undergo a thorough dental examination to check if your mouth is healthy enough for the procedure. This examination will include X-rays and possibly a CT scan of your jawbone. - Quit smoking and avoid alcohol:
Smoking can interfere with dental implant surgery and hinder healing. If you smoke, you must quit at least two weeks before your surgery date. - Eat healthily:
Don’t skip meals before surgery. A nutritious diet will help your body heal better after surgery. - Practice good oral hygiene:
Brush and floss your teeth diligently weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. - Understand the risks:
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with dental implant placement. Be sure to discuss these risks with your dental surgeon so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the treatment. - Plan ahead:
Purchase soft foods like pudding, soup, eggs, and yogurt, as well as other items that can be easily mashed or pureed ahead of time. Prepare your recovery area and equip it with everything you need to make it comfortable. Additionally, fill any prescriptions for pain medication days before surgery and wear comfortable clothing on the day of the surgery. - Arrange for transportation:
You won’t be able to drive after the outpatient surgery, so be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home from the tooth implant procedure. Alternatively, you may want to take a taxi, so you don’t have to worry about driving yourself home afterwards.
Thinking about oral surgery may be daunting. By following these tips, you can help make the procedure as comfortable as possible and also help minimise the risks of dental implant surgery.
What Are the Possible Risks of Dental Implant Surgery?
During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon should thoroughly explain the risks and help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Some of the risks and complications associated with dental implants include:
- Infection:
Infection is one of the most common complications associated with dental implant surgery. The risk of infection can be reduced by carefully following your oral surgeon’s postoperative instructions. - Nerve damage:
Dental implant surgery involves placing artificial teeth in the jawbone. If nerves are damaged during surgery, it may result in numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw. - Damage to surrounding teeth:
If dental implants are not placed properly, they can damage surrounding teeth. - Sinus problems:
Dental implants can sometimes damage the sinuses. This occurs when the implant is placed too close to the sinus. - Implant failure and rejection:
Dental implants sometimes fail to fuse properly with the jawbone and must be removed. Smoking and osteoporosis are thought to increase the risk of implant failure. Sometimes, the body may reject the implant, causing it to loosen and eventually fall out. - Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to materials used in dental implants, such as titanium or ceramics.
While these are some of the more common risks associated with dental implant surgery, it’s important to remember that every patient is different and will experience different side effects. Discuss all potential risks with your dental surgeon before having dental implant surgery.
What Can You Expect During Your Dental Implant Consultation?
The initial consultation is important because it helps the oral surgeon determine if dental implant surgery is the most suitable treatment option for you. During the consultation, your oral surgeon will:
- Review your medical history. The surgeon will ask about any previous medical conditions or surgeries that may have affected your mouth or teeth. You will also discuss your current oral health and any concerns about the surgery.
- Examine your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They will look at the health of your gums and jawbone and take X-rays to check the density of your jawbone. Once the oral surgeon has determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, they will form a treatment plan and discuss the next steps.
- Help you decide on the type of artificial tooth you want and check if you have enough healthy gum tissue to support the implant.
The initial consultation is an important step in getting dental implants, so it’s important to choose an experienced dental surgeon who can answer all your questions and help you make the right decision for your smile.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a viable alternative to dentures and dental bridges as replacement teeth. If you’re considering dental implant surgery, it’s important to be prepared for your treatment. Knowing what to expect can help make the process simpler and less stressful. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what to expect with dental implant surgery.
We hope that by providing this information, we have lessened your dental anxiety so you feel more confident in your decision to undergo the treatment and what to expect when you do.
So, if you’re ready to take the next step in improving your oral health, book an appointment online or call Clear Choice Dental today. Our dental team is excited to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure, but complications may arise occasionally and require the implants to be removed. While this may seem like an intimidating prospect, it is actually a relatively simple procedure.
First, the artificial tooth (or crown) is removed from the implant. Next, the implant itself is carefully unscrewed from the jaw bone. In most cases, the surgery can be completed in less than an hour, and patients can return home the same day.
After the implants are removed, the oral surgeon will determine whether or not they can be replaced. In many cases, they can be re-implanted without any problems. However, additional surgery may be necessary if there is damage to the bone or surrounding tissue.
Regardless of the cause, removing dental implants is generally a safe and effective surgical procedure that can be done at the dental clinic.
Dental implants are an increasingly popular procedure, but that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone. There are a few cases where dental implants may be necessary.
- If you have lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or periodontal disease, dental implants can be a replacement that feels and looks like natural teeth.
- If you have difficulty wearing dentures or other dental prosthetics, dental implants can help keep them in place.
- If you have had dental surgery in the past, dental implants can provide additional support for your teeth and gums.
- If you have had dental implants in the past, but they have failed, you may also need to consider getting new ones.
There are a few contraindications to dental implants, which include:
- Active dental infections:
Gum disease or other dental diseases must be resolved before dental implants can be placed. Otherwise, the infection could spread to the implant site. - Poor oral hygiene:
Good oral hygiene is essential for dental implants to be successful. Poor oral hygiene increases your risk of infection at the implant site. - Heavy smokers:
Smoking can hinder the success of dental implants. If you are a heavy smoker, you may want to quit smoking or cut back before getting dental implants. - Uncontrolled diabetes:
This can delay healing time and increase the risk of infection. - Radiotherapy to the head or neck area:
This can alter the bone structure, making it difficult for dental implants to fuse with it. - Chemotherapy:
This can weaken the immune system and cause dental implants to fail. - Inadequate bone density:
The success of a dental implant relies on having adequate bone density. If you have extensive bone loss, a bone graft may be needed.
If you are considering dental implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
Dental implant surgery requires recovery time. Here are a few things you can expect after dental implant surgery:
- Swelling:
Immediately after surgery, your gums will be swollen. This is normal and will usually peak within 24-48 hours after surgery. To help reduce swelling, apply cold compresses to your face for 20 minutes at a time. - Bruising:
You may also have to bruise around your gums, which should fade within a week. A cold compress can also help with this. - Pain:
You will likely experience pain and discomfort after dental implant surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help but follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. If you’re in severe pain, your dentist may prescribe something stronger. - Diet:
Eating soft foods for the first few days after dental implant surgery is important. A soft diet includes soup, yogurt, eggs, and other soft foods. Avoid chewing directly on the implants at this time, as this could damage them. You can gradually add more solid foods to your diet as you heal. - Oral Hygiene:
You’ll need to care for your teeth and implants to make them last. Brush gently and avoid flossing the area around the tooth implants for at least two weeks. Your dentist may recommend using mouthwash as well.