Dental implants offer a permanent solution to a variety of dental health concerns, including missing teeth, severe damage, tooth decay, and more. They’re also often used in conjunction with cosmetic treatments like veneers or gum lifts as part of a smile makeover.
If you’re curious about dental implants or your care provider has recommended implants as a treatment option for you, you’re probably wondering what you can expect from the dental implant process and what treatment is like. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about dental implant surgery, from anesthesia to aftercare.
How long does treatment take?
The length of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including how many implants you need as well as your individual oral health. If you only need one or two implants, we can generally complete the procedure in just 1-2 hours. Even if you need to replace most or all of your teeth, we offer All-on-4 implants to ensure the process is as quick and convenient for you as possible.
Does implant surgery hurt?
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about dental implants and oral surgery that makes its way onto the internet, and one of the most common dental implant myths is that the procedure is painful. Of course, it’s absolutely normal to feel anxiety before any type of surgery, but modern dental implant surgery is not painful.
At Smart Arches, we offer a variety of highly effective, advanced sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, including IV sedation and general anesthesia. The type and level of sedation you receive depends on a number of factors as well as your personal preferences. We’ll work with you to ensure you stay pain-free, comfortable, and relaxed throughout your procedure.
How many appointments are required for dental implants?
With traditional dental implants, most patients can complete the process with three appointments in addition to your initial consultation: the surgery itself, placing the permanent crown or bridge, and a follow-up appointment.
However, the number of appointments you’ll need will depend on your specific smile and dental health history. For example, if bone grafting is necessary before placing the implant, then we’ll likely need to have at least one additional appointment.
On the other hand, if you don’t have any significant oral health complications, you may be a candidate for same-day dental implants. This allows us to secure your implant and provide you with a custom crown or bridge in just one appointment.
What are aftercare and recovery like?
Our Smart Arches dental implant specialists will provide you with clear aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to expect following your procedure. While you may experience some sensitivity in the following days, most patients find that recovering from dental implant surgery is easy and quick.
To promote the healing process, you should:
- Protect the surgical site
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated
- Take pain relief medication as instructed by your surgeon
- Brush and floss gently
- Stick to soft foods for a few days
- Use a cool compress to alleviate swelling
How long does it take to feel normal after getting dental implants?
With proper care, you should feel completely normal again in just 1-2 weeks. As long as the surgical site is protected and you keep up with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, you should feel significantly better in just a few days and be able to eat and speak without any discomfort.
Meet with our dental implant specialists and take the first step to restoring your smile!
Choosing the right provider is essential when it comes to restorative dental care, especially when surgical procedures are involved. At Smart Arches, we’re not dentists who sometimes perform implant procedures. We’re implant specialists, and this is what we do all day, every day.
Our mission is to transform our patients’ smiles, help them regain their confidence, and improve their quality of life. We’re committed to giving you the results you want while prioritizing your convenience and comfort.
Contact us online or call one of our convenient locations to book your FREE consultation today, and learn more about how we work!
