When you have your initial consultation appointment with one of the oral surgeons at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery, your doctor will perform a complete oral examination, review your health history, and create a customized treatment plan based on your unique oral health issues. We use the latest in state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as instant digital X-rays and innovative Cone Beam technology that provides a digital tomographic 3D view of your oral and facial anatomy for a full 360-degree view of the tooth and all surrounding areas. The 3D Cone Beam scanner provides nearly limitless views of the teeth while using less radiation than traditional medical CT, technology, and it is fast, simple and painless. On the day of your consultation, you will be provided with pre- and post-operative instructions. For a smooth recovery and to reduce the risk of complications, it is important that you review these instructions carefully.
Before the surgery, you will be administered a local or IV anesthetic — oral and maxillofacial surgeons such as Drs. Lieblich, Fletcher, Gill, and Ambrogio are highly trained in the administration of anesthesia and sedation. We encourage you to review our Anesthesia Options page, so you can discuss your preferences with the doctor during your consultation. Once your chosen anesthesia has taken effect, your oral surgeon will place the post/screw of the dental implant into your jaw bone. Your exact treatment plan will depend on the number of implants being placed, whether you have bone loss (resorption) and need a bone graft procedure for your implant to be successful, and if you will require an extraction of the tooth that will be replaced. Your oral surgeon and your dentist will work as a team to complete the process of receiving your dental implant. The entire dental implant process at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery will generally involve two or three visits to the office over a few weeks or months.
Usually, the process goes as follows:
- Consultation. During this initial appointment with your oral surgeon, your oral health condition will be reviewed, and a completely personalized treatment plan will be formed. Imaging using 3D scans/Cone Beam technology will be taken to create custom surgical guides for your procedure.
- Surgery. While under anesthesia, you will have the implant post surgically inserted in the bone beneath your gums. If you chose IV sedation, you will sleep comfortably during the procedure. After the surgery, the surgical site will be stitched closed, and you will have some time to rest and recover before your designated driver takes you home.
- Recovery. After your dental implant placement, you will go home to begin the healing process. Most patients are back to their regular routines after a couple of weeks. Your dentist may make a temporary crown for you to wear during the healing period. The entire process of healing does, however, take three to four months. During this time your body will do the work of fusing the implant in your jaw bone to create a solid foundation for chewing hard foods.
- Abutment and Crown Placement. Once your implant site has healed and the implant post/screw is securely fused with your jaw bone, your oral surgeon will place the abutments. The abutments connect your new permanent, custom-made crowns to your implants. Your healthy new smile will now be ready to show off to the world!
Dental Implant Procedure
The experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery are dental implant specialists. Drs. Lieblich, Fletcher, Gill, and Ambrogio look forward to speaking with you about your tooth replacement goals during your consultation and developing a strategy with you for restoring your oral health and smile. Please feel free to call the front office to learn more about dental implants procedures at our trusted practices located in Avon, Glastonbury, and Enfield.