Insertion of dental implants

This leaflet is designed to improve your understanding of your forthcoming treatment and contains answers to many of the common questions. If you have any other questions that the leaflet does not answer or would like a further explanation please ask your surgeon.

What is an implant?

An implant is a false metal root screwed into the jawbone. Implants form anchors for a crown, bridge or denture attachment.

What does implant surgery involve?

• Implants are usually inserted under local anaesthesia (an injection to make the area numb).
• Once the local anaesthetic injection has worked the gum is cut and pushed back to expose the underlying bone.
• A hole is then drilled into the bone and the implant screwed into this hole.
• The gum is then put back in the right place with stitches. These stitches are usually dissolvable but may take several weeks to disappear.

How long will the operation take?

It usually takes around half an hour to place a single implant. If you are having more than one implant placed it will take longer.

What can I expect after the operation?

It is unlikely to be very sore after implant surgery but regular painkillers (for example, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen) is advised post-surgery. There is relatively little swelling.

Do I need any time off work?

It is advisable to take the rest of the day off work. You may also need to stay at home for a day or so depending on the type of job you have. If lots of implants have been placed and this has required intravenous sedation or a general anaesthetic, it is important to remember that you cannot drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours after your operation.

Is there anything that I need to do when I get home?

• It is important to keep the surgical site as clean as possible for the first few weeks after the implants are inserted.
• It may be difficult to clean around the area because it is sore. If this is the case it is best to keep the area free from food debris by gently rinsing with a mouthwash or warm salt water (dissolve a flat teaspoon of kitchen salt in a cup of warm water) commencing on the day after surgery.
• You will have been prescribed a course of antibiotics to reduce the chances of infection. Please remember to take these.

What are the possible problems?

• Although there may be a little bleeding at the time of surgery this should stop very quickly and is unlikely to be a problem. Should the area bleed again when you get home this can usually be stopped by applying pressure for at least 10 minutes with a rolled up handkerchief or swab.
• Infection is uncommon particularly if antibiotics are used.
• If you are having an implant placed into your lower jaw it is important to be aware that some nerves may lie close to the site of surgery.
• One of these runs through the centre of the jawbone and supplies feeling to your lower lip, chin and lower teeth. The other runs on the inside of the lower jaw and supplies feeling to your tongue and helps with taste.
• Sometimes these nerves may be bruised when an implant is placed. This can cause tingling or numbness in your lip, chin or tongue, and more rarely, altered taste. The altered sensation or numbness usually recovers after a few months and is rarely permanent.

Adapted from:

British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (opens in a new tab).