What can I expect from implant surgery?

Nobody likes the idea of a drill in the jawbone. Even so, many patients tell us afterward how little discomfort they felt, especially with uncomplicated implant surgery. Patients often say it was easier than having a tooth pulled.

On the day

It is normal to feel nervous on surgery day. The procedure is usually comfortable with local anesthetic alone, but many people dislike the idea, or the sound of the drill. That is why sedation is offered. It helps you relax and usually leaves you with little or no memory of the surgery.

The drilling itself is usually a short part of the visit, and many patients say the procedure was easier than they expected.

After surgery

• The gums are usually sore for about three days.
• Mild discomfort can follow for about three weeks.
• Pain in the bone itself is rare. Almost all of the soreness comes from the gums.

Risks

Every surgery has risks, and an implant can fail to heal into the bone. The risks that apply to you, including anything in your health history that affects healing, are explained at your treatment-plan visit, before you decide anything.

If you are worried after surgery

If you have bleeding, swelling or pain that is getting worse instead of better, call us at (331) 301-4450. After hours, call the same number and press 1 to reach Dr. Kim. For a medical emergency, call 911.

After healing

Once the bone has healed around the implant, a few more steps lead to your final tooth. Each one is explained in Procedures.

Implant placement is rarely painful, but bone and gum grafting are usually more uncomfortable. That raises the next question: do I need grafting?