Dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery is a procedure to place a man-made post in your jaw that serves as the underpinning to add a replacement tooth. This surgery is done if you had a tooth extraction because of gum disease or another condition, or if you lost a tooth due to a facial trauma injury. You can get a single tooth implant, multiple tooth implants, or full mouth implants. Teeth implants are made of a durable material like titanium that’s compatible with the tissues in your mouth. Over time, the implant fuses to your bone and creates a solid foundation for your new artificial tooth or teeth. The implant also helps prevent bone loss and stops your other teeth from shifting. Because dental implants don’t decay, they can last for the rest of your life, and you’ll benefit from better chewing function and a full smile.

Penn Medicine’s highly specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental providers offer comprehensive dental care, including restorative procedures like dental implant surgery. After conducting a thorough dental exam, Penn Medicine’s dental specialists design a treatment plan that’s personalized for you. Our specialists also use advanced digital technology to create custom-fit crowns and other artificial teeth so that your replacement teeth look and feel good in your mouth.

Dental implant surgery may be a good choice if you have healthy gum tissue and enough bone to support a tooth implant. It may not be the right choice for you if you’re under 18 years old, you smoke or vape, or you have untreated gum disease or certain health conditions like bone disorders. People who have a lot of tooth decay or severe bone loss in their jaw may not be candidates for permanent dental implants.

Your dental implant surgery may be done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, or a prosthodontist. The full dental implant process that includes adding your replacement teeth may occasionally be done in one day, but more often it requires several appointments that could take up to a year to complete. Before dental implant surgery, you may need x-rays and molds created of your teeth and jaw. Your dental specialist also checks to see if you have enough bone to support an implant and may give you a bone graft to help build up your jaw before a tooth implant procedure.

On the day of your procedure, a local anesthetic numbs the area so that you don’t feel pain during surgery. You may have an option to also take sedation medicine, which helps you feel relaxed during the procedure. General anesthesia, which puts you in a sleep-like state, may be an alternative option. If you choose sedation or general anesthesia, your dental team will let you know when to stop eating and drinking before your appointment.

Your surgery may include these steps:

• Your dental specialist makes an incision in your gum to expose the bone.
• The specialist then drills small holes into your jawbone.
• The implant, which is a metal, screw-like post, is placed deep in your jawbone so that it’s secure. More than one implant may be placed.
• Your surgeon may add a connector post called an abutment that sticks above your gums to hold your artificial tooth in place, but this step may be done during a later procedure.
• Next, your dental specialist closes the incision with stitches.

Another type of dental implant known as a transosteal implant may be used if you have missing teeth in your lower jaw but you have significant bone loss. Surgery for this type of implant is more complex and involves placing a metal plate on the bottom of your jaw with posts that go through your jaw to hold the replacement teeth in place.

You may feel some discomfort and have swelling after dental implant surgery, which can be relieved with pain medicines. You may also have minor bleeding and bruising. Placing an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on your cheek for about 10 minutes every hour for the first six hours can help with these symptoms. Your dental specialist might prescribe an antibiotic and may recommend that you eat soft foods over the next few days. Avoid the area of the dental implant when you brush your teeth for a week after surgery. During follow-up appointments, your surgeon checks your mouth and removes stitches.

It can take up to nine months for your bone to fuse to the implant. If your surgeon didn’t place an abutment at the same time as the dental implant, you’ll have it placed during a separate procedure. Once your mouth is healed from previous surgeries, you’ll be ready for your replacement tooth or teeth, known as the restoration. Impressions of your mouth are used to make the restoration, which is customized to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. To replace a single tooth, your dental specialist attaches a crown to your implant. For more than one tooth, a bridge or partial or full dentures may be used. Because it takes time for the restoration to be created, you may have a temporary crown, bridge, or denture. Your dental implant can last the rest of your life if you take care of it by brushing and flossing daily and going to regular dental visits.

There’s a minimal risk of the area around the implant becoming infected. If an infection does occur, it can be treated. Talk with your doctor about possible signs of infection and when to call and discuss any unusual symptoms.

Oral and maxillofacial specialists at Penn Medicine have extensive knowledge of oral bone structure and use advanced technology to provide permanent dental implants and restorations.

• Uniquely trained specialists: Penn Medicine’s oral surgeons and prosthodontists have a high level of training and experience. Our experts have performed thousands of dental implant surgeries and bring skill and proficiency to your care.
• State-of-the-art technology: At Penn Medicine, our specialists use enhanced digital technology like advanced scanners and imaging software, along with precise microscopes to create custom-fit crowns and other artificial teeth that are comfortable and long-lasting. Specialists at Penn Medicine have also designed innovative dental implant technology to provide you with quality products.
• Comprehensive, personalized care: Penn Medicine’s dental specialists give you options that are best suited for your oral and overall health. When you seek the care of our skilled specialists, you can help ensure the best possible outcome.