What to Expect from Dental Implant Surgery

When you lose a tooth, you lose the root, as well. This loss can lead to serious oral and periodontal complications. A dental implant replaces the tooth root, and over time, the surrounding bone fuses around the implant, securing it in your jaw. Dr. Chad LaCour can perform dental implant surgery at his Baton Rouge, LA, office to permanently replace lost tooth roots. A variety of restorations can be placed on the implant post, offering a natural look and fully restored function. Dr. LaCour can thoroughly discuss your dental implant procedure during a private consultation at his office.

Dental Implant Surgery: Step-by-step

Dental implants treatment can take several months to a year to complete. There are various stages and processes you must go through. Should you need a bone graft or sinus lift, your implant surgery will be postponed six to nine months while you heal. Once you are completely recovered, you can undergo your placement process. 

Implant Placement

To begin your procedure, our team will administer any necessary sedation and anesthetic based on your needs. Once you are comfortable and relaxed, Dr. LaCour will create an opening in your gum and a make a small space in the densest areas of your jawbone for the implant. He will then secure your implant in place. Dr. LaCour uses the BioHorizons® tapered implant system. This innovative system allows him to preserve more of your bone while providing an extremely stable base for your restoration.

If you are receiving one implant to support a crown, the implant will typically be placed vertically in your jaw. For specialized techniques, such as those to support dentures, you may receive implants placed at an angle to make the most of your jawbone density. 

Once the implants are placed in the jaw, your gums will be sutured closed to heal over the implant. The day of your surgery, you will either be provided with a temporary prosthesis, or you may have a permanent restoration placed the same day as your implant. You can work with Dr. LaCour to determine the right restorative option for your needs.

With dental implants, you can look forward to smiling more, eating the foods you love, and enjoying an improved quality of life.

Second Procedure

If you are receiving traditional implants, you will need to have a second, shorter procedure performed once your jaw has healed. Once the implants are fused with your jawbone, Dr. LaCour can attach abutment pieces to connect your restoration to your implants. You can again receive anesthetic and sedation for your comfort, before a small incision will be made in your gums to access the implant post. Once your abutment has been attached, you will typically wait two weeks before receiving your permanent prosthesis. This period will allow your gums to heal for comfortable restoration placement.

Recovery

When you have an experienced team such as Dr. LaCour and his staff place your dental implants, you can experience greater treatment success. In addition, because the implants are fused to your bone, they will not require additional surgery. The restoration, whether it be a crown, bridge, partial, or denture, may need be to replaced over time, but your implants can last the rest of your life.

Receive Expert Care

Dr. Chad LaCour believes in providing each patient with not only a strong, healthy oral foundation, but a smile they can be proud to share. With dental implants, you can look forward to smiling more, eating the foods you love, and enjoying an improved quality of life. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.