Dental implants are currently considered the most dependable and successful teeth replacement option. At the Dental Arts Center in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Edward Lorents uses the advanced Navident GPS dental implant placement system to surgically guide titanium posts into your jawbone with complete accuracy. After the implants are integrated into your jawbone, Dr. Lorents will affix porcelain crowns to replace your missing teeth. Here, we will discuss what patients can expect before, during and after dental implant surgery.
Before Your Dental Implant Surgery
To confirm your candidacy for dental implants, Dr. Lorents will see you for a comprehensive examination. After taking dental x-rays, he will assess the health of your teeth and gums and discuss your health history with you in detail. Once all relevant information has been gathered, Dr. Lorents will design a treatment plan to address your specific needs using Navident. This system combines cone beam CT images with digital impressions, allowing your doctor to virtually plan your treatment with unparalleled accuracy. Navident can prepare your entire treatment plan in a matter of minutes and can be used during dental implant placement for ultimate precision. The Dental Arts Center is the only practice in the area offering this advanced digital technology. Dental implant surgery can be performed in our office in about one hour.
Dental Implant Surgery: What to Expect
Dental implant surgery can be performed in our office in about one hour. The general steps involved in the procedure include:
- Anesthesia: To begin the procedure, Dr. Lorents will administer local anesthesia to numb the gums. If you are anxious, we can also provide nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation for your comfort. These options will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation.
- Access: To access the jawbone ridge, Dr. Lorents creates a small incision in the gums.
- Pilot hole:Once the jawbone is accessed, a pilot hole will be made in the area where the implant will be placed.
- Preparing the site: After the pilot hole is created, a series of special drill bits will be used to prepare the site for the implant and achieve the proper depth and diameter.
- Placing the implant:Once the site has been properly prepared, the implant is carefully guided into the jawbone. To reduce the risk of contamination, the internal surfaces of the implant will be sealed off with a healing abutment.
- Stitches: After the implant has been placed into the jawbone, the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured into place. In most cases, these stitches are dissolvable, and will fall out on their own in a few days.
Recovery after Dental Implant Surgery
Following dental implant surgery, patients can anticipate some degree of discomfort as well as slight swelling and bruising. These side effects are temporary and can be successfully managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications. To reduce inflammation, cold compresses can be applied to the external jaw in 20-minute increments. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity, as this can elevate your heart rate and increase the risk for bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. In most cases, patients can return to work in one or two days. However, if severe pain develops, contact your doctor right away.