The implant consists of three components: the dental crown, a fixture in the form of a titanium screw and a spacer that acts as the connection between the dental crown and the fixture screw.
The procedure itself takes place when the fixture screw is placed in the jawbone. The operation usually takes no more than an hour and need not cause any concern. You will be under local anesthesia, which provides effective pain relief throughout the procedure and for a few hours afterward.
During the operation, you may feel slight pressure and touch, but the pain is effectively controlled. Because the bone has been drilled, you can expect some swelling and soreness after surgery. These complaints usually subside within a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
It is important not to exert yourself for the first 24 hours after the operation, but most people can return to their work as early as the next day. The few stitches inserted will be removed about a week later.
After surgery, time is required to allow the fixture screws to integrate with the bone. The exact time varies depending on the quality of the bone and the number of screws that have been placed. Sometimes the implant can be loaded immediately, while in other cases it can take up to four months before the screws are fully grown into the bone. During this resting period, you will have temporary teeth. If your jawbone is thin or damaged, for example after an infection or tooth extraction, it may be necessary to use artificial bone to fill it in. The artificial bone acts as a support structure for the body’s natural bone. After 6-9 months, when the artificial bone has served its purpose, your own bone will have grown back.
