Blog: clearadvantageortho.com Dental Implants 101: What to Expect Before, During, & After Surgery? Dental implants can sound intimidating at first. However, once you know what to expect, the process becomes clearer and less overwhelming. Whether your tooth was lost due to injury, decay, or needed to be removed, implants are one of the most effective ways to restore your full smile. They restore function and comfort, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worry. Dental implants work like a strong new root for your missing tooth. Once everything is healed, most people can’t even tell the difference between their implant and a natural tooth. Let’s walk through everything step -by-step so that you can feel confident throughout your implant journey, from before to after. Before the Surgery: Getting Your Smile Ready Everything starts with a visit to your dentist or orthodontist. They’ll check your teeth and gums, take X -rays or 3D scans, and talk to you about your health. They need to ensure that your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant. If it’s not, you may need a small extra step, such as a bone graft, to support it. Once that’s sorted, your dentist will create a treatment plan just for you. You’ll also discuss which dental implant types are best and go over anesthesia options. To make sure everything goes smoothly, your dentist will give you a few easy steps to follow ahead of time: Blog: clearadvantageortho.com ● Use a special mouthwash or antibiotics beforehand – this helps lower the risk of infection, allowing your mouth to stay clean and safe while healing. ● Avoid eating for several hours before surgery – this makes anesthesia safer to use, helping your procedure go smoothly from start to finish. ● Bring someone who can drive you home – even if you feel okay afterward, having a ride helps you rest and focus on healing right away. These small steps are simple, but they make a big difference in your recovery. During the Surgery: Quick and Comfortable The idea of surgery might feel intimidating, but most patients are surprised by how quick and gentle the procedure really is. You’ll get local anesthesia to numb the area. Some people also choose IV or oral sedation to help them feel more relaxed. Here’s what usually happens: ● They make a small opening in your gum – this gives access to place the implant where your new tooth will go. ● A titanium post is inserted into your jawbone – this post acts like the root of a natural tooth, giving your new tooth a strong and stable base. ● If your bone needs extra support, a graft may be added – this helps the implant heal properly, especially if your jawbone isn’t thick enough. ● The area is closed with stitches – this protects the implant and initiates the healing process immediately. The whole th ing usually takes under an hour, and you’re on your way home the same day. Some people even feel good enough to return to work the next morning. After the Surgery: Healing and the Final Step Healing starts the moment you get home. You may feel a little so re or swollen, but that’s a regular part of recovery, and there are easy ways to feel more comfortable. Here’s how to take care of yourself: Blog: clearadvantageortho.com ● Use cold packs on your cheek – this helps reduce swelling, so you stay more comfortable during the first couple of days. ● Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil – these help with soreness and allow your body to focus on healing. ● Stick to soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes – your mouth needs rest, and gentle foods help it recover without strain. ● Avoid hot drinks, tough chewing, and rinsing too hard – these actions protect the implant and keep the healing site safe. ● Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking – this helps you avoid biting your tongue or cheek by accident. Healing takes time, usually between 3 to 6 months. During this period, your bone naturally grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration . That means the implant becomes an integral part of your jaw, creating a strong, lasting foundation. When everything is fully healed, your dentist will place a custom-made crown on top. It looks, feels, and works just like a real tooth. Need Dental Implants in Oakridge, Vancouver? Visit the Experts. When it comes to your smile, you deserve care that’s skilled, gentle, and tailored just for you. At Clear Advantage Dental & Orthodontic Clinic, we don’t treat you like just another patient, we treat you like family. Our team of experienced dentists and orthodontists offers complete dental implant solutions, from your first consultation to your final crown, all right here under one roof. With years of experience and a strong track record in Oakridge, we ’re here to make your treatment smooth, comfortable, and built to last. Don’t wait to feel confident again. Book your consultation today and let us help you take the first step toward a healt hier, brighter smile you’ll love. Blog: clearadvantageortho.com