Most people are used to the idea of cleanings and checkups. But surgery? That can feel like a whole different story. If you’re thinking about dental implants, it’s totally normal to feel a little nervous. The good news is it’s usually much easier and more comfortable than people expect. And when you know what’s coming, it feels even more manageable. In this guide, we’ll walk through what happens before, during, and after dental implant surgery so you can feel prepared and informed.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people who want to replace missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. That said, we check for things like adequate bone, healthy gums, and any medical history that might impact healing. Even if you’ve been told you can’t get implants in the past, options like full mouth dental implants or bone grafting might open the door.
Getting Ready the Right Way
A successful dental implant procedure starts with a plan that’s built around your needs. Your first visit is where we get to know you: what you’re hoping to fix, how your oral health looks overall, and what will make this as smooth as possible.
Initial Consultation and Imaging
We take detailed 3D scans to see your bone structure and the space around the missing tooth (or teeth). This helps us see if you have enough healthy bone to support a dental implant. It also lets us plan the exact angle and depth of implant placement, so we get it right the first time.
Treatment Planning and Timeline
Depending on your case, you might need a bit of prep work first, like a tooth extraction, bone graft, or treatment for gum disease. These steps help protect the surrounding tissues and improve implant success. We’ll walk you through the timeline, so you’ll know when to expect your new artificial tooth.
Home Prep Tips
Before your appointment, we’ll go over simple things like what to eat, what to avoid, and which medications to take or skip. If you smoke, we’ll talk about how that affects healing and implant failure risk. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and resting afterward can also help with bone healing and recovery.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Dental implant surgery is often described as easier than getting a tooth pulled. It’s done in our office and feels more like minor surgery than anything dramatic. Here’s how it usually goes:
Keeping You Comfortable
We use local anesthesia so you don’t feel anything during the dental implant placement. If you feel anxious or if multiple teeth are being replaced, we have sedation options to help keep things relaxed.
Placing the Implant
Once the area is numb, we make a small opening in the gum and carefully place the implant body, a tiny titanium alloy post, into your jawbone. This post acts like a new artificial tooth root. It’s what your new tooth will eventually attach to. We then close the area with a couple of stitches. The whole surgical procedure usually takes less than an hour for one implant.
How Long It Takes
The time needed depends on how many implants we’re placing and whether you need extra work like a bone graft. For a single tooth, it can be very quick. For full mouth dental implants or cases involving severe bone loss, we’ll give you a custom time estimate and walk you through every step.
The Healing Process
Your body starts working right away after surgery to help the implant heal and bond with the bone. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s what gives implants their long-term strength.
First Few Days
Expect a little swelling, soreness, or minor bruising. Stick with soft foods, use an ice pack, and rest as much as you can. Avoid using straws, don’t smoke, and follow our aftercare instructions closely to keep the implant site clean and promote healing.
Weeks to Months Later
Over the next few months, your bone will slowly grow around the implant, locking it in place. This bone growth is crucial for long-term stability. We’ll check on your progress at regular dental visits and make sure the implant is healing the way it should.
Attaching the New Tooth
Once healing is complete, we connect your new artificial tooth, usually a crown, bridge, or fixed denture, to the implant. These prosthetic teeth are custom-made to match your natural teeth and bite. Most dental implants look and feel just like the real thing.
What If You Wear Dentures?
If you currently wear dentures or partial dentures, dental implants can give you a more secure option. Fixed dentures attach directly to implants and feel much more stable than removable dentures. We can even place dental implants to support a full arch.
Can Implants Replace Several Teeth or Just One?
Dental implants are incredibly versatile. They can replace one missing tooth, several teeth in a row, or even a full mouth. Whether you’re missing at least one tooth or you need a full smile restoration, we can create a treatment plan that fits.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone?
If you’ve had tooth loss for a while, you might not have enough healthy bone left to hold an implant. In that case, a bone graft can help rebuild the area. It takes a little extra time, but it makes a big difference in implant success.
Will My Implant Affect My Existing Teeth?
Dental implants are a great option because they don’t rely on neighboring teeth like bridges do. They preserve the surrounding bone and soft tissues without putting stress on adjacent teeth. This keeps your overall oral health more stable.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, most dental implants last for decades. They don’t decay like natural teeth, but they still need to be cleaned daily to avoid gum disease and issues with surrounding tissues.
Skill + Planning = Fewer Surprises
The more soecialized experience your dentist has with a procedure like implants, the smoother the whole process goes. At Yeo Family Dental Group, Dr. Rosita Tan brings over 40 years of experience in implant dentistry and prosthetic solutions. Dr. Jamie Yeo brings advanced planning tools, attention to aesthetics, and a modern approach that makes everything feel more seamless.
Technology Supports Healing
Our use of 3D imaging and digital surgical guides allows for precise implant placement, which helps avoid complications, protect facial bones, and support long-term success.
Personalized Care from Start to Finish
We don’t rush. We listen to what matters to you, answer all your questions, and make sure you understand each part of the dental implant procedure.
Get Back to Smiling with Confidence
Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth and protect your oral health. The key is working with a team that knows how to guide you through it all.
If you’re ready to talk about implants, reach out to schedule a consultation at Yeo Family Dental Group. We’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way, and bring your smile back to life.
