How many surgical procedures are required for dental implants?

Dec 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Dental implantation requires two or three surgical procedures. The first surgery involves the placement of the implant. Under local anesthesia, the dentist prepares an implant site in the alveolar bone at the location of the missing tooth and then inserts the implant into the site. This process typically takes from several dozen minutes to about an hour. Patients need to strictly follow the dentist's instructions and properly perform postoperative care to ensure the success of the dental implant.

Generally, dental implant procedures require two or three surgeries. Dental implants involve inserting an artificial tooth root into the upper or lower jawbone, which is then connected to a prosthetic tooth via a special device and method, aiming to stabilize the implant. The general reference price for a dental implant ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan per tooth. Improvement is usually noticeable 3 to 6 months after surgery, although symptoms such as infection or bleeding may occur. A detailed explanation is as follows:

The first surgery involves implanting the fixture. Under local anesthesia, the dentist prepares a socket in the alveolar bone at the missing tooth site and inserts the implant. This process typically takes from dozens of minutes to about an hour. After implant placement, the wound must be sutured, and patients should maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection while waiting for osseointegration—the process whereby the implant bonds with the jawbone—which generally takes 3 to 6 months. If the patient has good bone quality and sufficient bone volume, only two surgeries may be necessary.

The second surgery involves placing the healing abutment. Once osseointegration between the implant and the bone is complete, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the implant and attach a healing abutment to help shape the gum tissue. This procedure is relatively simple and requires a short surgical time. If the patient has poor bone quality, a third surgery might be necessary. For example, if there is insufficient bone volume, additional procedures such as bone grafting or the use of bone substitute materials may first be required. After the bone tissue has healed, the implant can then be placed, thus prolonging the overall implant process.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under a doctor's guidance to ensure effectiveness and safety. Patients should strictly follow medical advice and perform proper postoperative care to ensure the success of the dental implant.

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