The dental implant placement procedure typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant, and about 2 to 3 hours when placing multiple implants. The exact number of visits and total treatment time varies depending on your individual needs. Our skilled surgeon applies careful attention to every detail of your case to ensure optimal results.
Before surgery, you might be prescribed antibiotics and offered options for comfort such as intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These choices will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation. A local anesthetic is used to numb the implant site.
Once you’re comfortable, the surgeon creates a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, prepares the site with specialized tools, and carefully places the titanium implant. In many cases, the top of the implant is visible through the gum, but sometimes it is better for the implant to remain covered beneath the gum during early healing.
Healing after Dental Implant Surgery
Healing begins immediately after placement and varies based on bone quality and quantity. Some patients may have implants restored right after placement, but your surgeon will guide you on the best timing and follow-up care. After initial healing, a brief follow-up appointment is scheduled to place an abutment (support post) or healing cap, which helps the gum tissue mature and provides access to the implant.
Sometimes, impressions for the crown are taken at the time of implant placement to have your restoration ready once healing is complete. Healing time depends on multiple factors, and usually one to four follow-up visits are necessary to monitor progress and prepare for the final restoration.
A soft tissue graft may be recommended to strengthen and improve the appearance of the gum tissue around the implant. This involves relocating a small amount of gum tissue from another part of your mouth and is generally a quick and comfortable procedure.
Whether you are replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, your dentist will finish your treatment by fitting a custom crown onto your implant.
When are dental implants placed?
Implants are often placed several months after tooth extraction to allow bone healing. However, in some cases, implants can be placed immediately after extraction. Although this approach carries slightly higher risks, it can reduce the overall treatment timeline by eliminating an extra surgery appointment. If infection or bone issues exist, immediate implant placement is usually avoided.
If a tooth has been missing for a long time, the surrounding bone tends to shrink and thin, since the natural tooth root stimulates bone maintenance. Up to one-third of jawbone thickness can be lost within a year after extraction. If bone loss is significant, a bone graft may be necessary to provide a stable foundation for your implant.
How many implants do I need?
Typically, one implant is placed per missing tooth. Larger molars in the back of your mouth often have two or three roots, so replacing these teeth might require larger implants or multiple implants for adequate support.