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By Mayo Clinic staffBecause dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation in preparation for the process. The process involves:
- Having a comprehensive dental exam. This may include dental X-rays and having models made of your mouth.
- Getting a treatment plan. Tailored to your situation, this plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone. The planning process may involve a variety of dental specialists, including an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face; and a periodontist, a dentist who works with the structures that support teeth.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and about any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
You will be given some form of anesthesia for pain control during surgery. Anesthesia options include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Talk to your dental specialist about which option is best for you. Your dental care team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If you're having general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.
- Dental implants and dental implant surgery. American College of Prosthodontists. http://www.prosthodontics.org/patients/implants.asp?print=yes. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Dental implants. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Dental implant placement options. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/2mb.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Levin L, et al. The effects of cigarette smoking on dental implants and related surgery. Implant Dentistry. 2005;14:357.
- Koh RU, et al. Immediate implant placement: Positives and negatives. Implant Dentistry. 2010;19:98.
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