Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves replacing tooth roots with metal, screw-like fixtures and surgically placing them onto the jawbone to function as the “root” of the artificial tooth.
Dental implant surgery has become increasingly popular—and for plenty of good reasons. For one, dental implants are hands down aesthetically superior (compared to dental bridges and dentures), as they look and feel natural. Dental implants are designed to precisely match the shade of your natural teeth, and they eventually fuse to your existing jawbone, which allows for a perfect fit and a natural feel.
However, even with the benefits of dental implant surgery, patients contemplating it have concerns about the complexity of the procedure and whether it involves a lot of pain. The good news is while there can be some pain and discomfort with dental implants, your dentist can use advanced pain management techniques to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and you are relaxed throughout. Let’s take a closer look.
What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants require that you have healthy gums and bones to support the metal anchor. Your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation—which includes an imaging procedure— of your jawbone, mouth, gums, and teeth to determine your eligibility for this procedure.
The entire dental implant surgery can take up to several months, broken up into three steps. This means you will need to see your dentist three times.
Your first appointment consists of your dentist placing the implant then allowing the jawbone to heal prior to the next appointment. Healing takes approximately three to six months.
At your second appointment, your dentist will attach the post to the implant and let the gum tissue to grow around it to support it.
At your final appointment, your dentist will attach the artificial tooth (crown) to the implant post. This is the part when you get to see the results of your dental implant surgery.
Types of Anesthesia for Dental Implant Surgery
The following types of anesthesia are what dentists commonly use during dental procedures to keep patients from worrying about pain. To make a well-informed decision, ask your dentist which of these they offer and which is the most suitable for you.
o Local Anesthesia
If you opt for local anesthesia, your dentist will inject it directly into your gums. Local anesthesia works by inhibiting the nerve fibers in the teeth from firing pain impulses, thus the numbness. Local anesthesia is fast-acting, though it only lasts a short time. Your dentist may need to administer it more than once during the procedure.
o IV Sedation
Apart from local anesthesia, there’s also intravenous sedation, which involves the administering of an antianxiety drug directly into your bloodstream. Your vital signs and oxygen levels will be constantly monitored during the procedure. If you have low pain tolerance or a bad gag reflex, your dentist may recommend IV sedation to make the procedure easier.
o Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves the use of oral medication in conjunction with nitrous oxide, which you inhale through a mask to achieve an appropriate level of relaxation. Oral conscious sedation is also applicable for people with low pain threshold and gag reflex issues.
Teeth Implants in St. Paul, Minnesota
At Hagerman Dental Care, Dr. Steven Hagerman has performed numerous successful dental implant surgeries, helping many people in St. Paul and neighboring areas enjoy dazzling natural-looking smiles. Dr. Hagerman stays abreast of the latest advancements in dental implant surgery to ensure excellent outcomes for all of our patients.
If you’re looking for a good dentist who offers high-quality teeth implants in St. Paul, Minnesota, schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Hagerman. Contact us at (651) 646-2392. You may also request an appointment online.