If you’re interested in having a dental implant placed at Smillie Dental in Port Orange, you may be wondering what you can expect from your appointment. To keep you well-informed about your treatment options, our team wants to make sure you have everything you need to know about the dental implant process:
How Long Does It Take?
This depends on several factors, such as your overall level of oral health, the number of teeth which are being replaced, and where the dental implants are being placed. However, the average time for a single tooth dental implant surgery is typically between 1-2 hours. The healing process once an implant is placed can take a few months, but once the implant integrates with your jaw bone, it will look and feel like a natural tooth.
Does It Hurt?
Like any oral surgery, there can be some discomfort during surgery. However, local numbing agents and oral conscious sedation or IV sedation can be used to reduce any feelings of discomfort during your treatment, and Dr. Smillie will give you post-operative medications to help ease any discomfort after your surgery.
How Will I Need To Prepare For My Appointment?
In most cases, Dr. Smillie will ask you to rinse with a chlorhexidine or similar antibacterial mouthwash, and to take antibiotics several days before surgery, to reduce the risk of infection.
If you receive IV sedation, you won’t be able to eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. And if you are sedated, you’ll need to bring someone to the office to drive you home. More detailed instructions will be given to you by Dr. Smillie after you’ve scheduled your appointment.
Your First Appointment – Placing The Implant
During your first appointment, your mouth will be numbed. Then, a space for your dental implant is created and the implant is placed. A healing cap is then attached to the implant, which helps ensure that your gums heal properly. Over the course of the next 3-6 months, the implant will “osseointegrate” with the gum and jaw, and become permanently attached.
Your Second Appointment – Placing The Restoration
Your second appointment will begin by exposing the implant. Then, a custom dental crown, which has been fabricated to fit perfectly into your mouth and match the surrounding teeth, will be bonded permanently into place with dental cement. This completes the procedure and gives you a permanent, natural-looking replacement tooth!
Post-Surgical Discomfort
After both surgeries, some discomfort is normal. There may be some bruising and swelling of the soft tissues, and minor bleeding. However, you will be given painkillers to treat these symptoms, which should resolve within 24-48 hours.
See Dr. Smillie Now – And Get More Information About The Dental Implant Process
Each patient is different and treatment details may vary based on your oral health, the number of teeth you’re replacing, and whether you need to have teeth extracted before the process begins.
If you want to learn more about restorative dentistry, or you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, contact Dr. Smillie now. He will create a custom treatment plan just for you, and help you understand every step of the process. Give us a call now at (386) 317-4754, or come to our office at 5537 South Williamson Blvd, #675, Port Orange, Florida 32128.
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