Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard of tooth replacement. If you are thinking about getting them, you may have some questions about the process in front of you. For example, you might wonder how long the surgery will take? Will you have to set aside an entire day, or will you be heading home from the dental office before you know it? This blog post provides some important information about what to expect during your procedure.
The Surgery Can Vary in Length
There are different factors that can affect how long the surgery takes:
- The number of implants being placed. Logically, placing just a single implant requires less time than placing 4 – 6 implants or more.
- Whether or not teeth are being extracted. In some cases, implants can be inserted immediately after tooth extractions. Combining these procedures can lengthen the amount of time you spend in the operatory.
- The dentist’s experience and skill. Specialists who have a lot of training in how to place implants may be able to work more quickly than their less experienced colleagues.
- Whether or not the patient is sedated. Patients are usually sedated during dental implant surgery, which makes the procedure more efficient.
- Anatomical factors. Where in the mouth the implants are being placed, as well as whether the patient has any unique anatomical features, can influence the timeline for the surgery.
Depending on the above considerations, the surgery may take anywhere from one hour to several hours.
What Does the Surgery Feel Like?
Your dentist will need to create incisions in your gums, make room in your jawbone, and insert the implants. Fortunately, you will feel little to nothing when all of that is happening. In fact, if you are sedated, you might drift off to sleep during your procedure. If you are not sedated, you might feel some pressure, but there should be no real pain.
After any anesthesia and sedation wear off, some soreness is to be expected. Your care team will give you detailed instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery. Usually, patients are well enough to return to work or school within a few days. Any lingering discomfort usually disappears within a couple of weeks.
From beginning to end, the dental implant procedure can take several months, and the placement surgery also requires some patience. In the end, though, your new smile will make the wait more than worth it!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Alan Kellner and the team at Seaside Family Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale are proud to provide top-quality dental implant services. We work with a board-certified periodontist to perform dental implant placement surgery. If you have questions about what to expect during the dental implant treatment process, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 954-771-7636.