Dental implants have transformed restorative dentistry, providing a permanent solution for missing teeth. If you’re considering the procedure, understanding each stage—before, during, and after—can help ease any anxiety. Whether you’re in Arlington, Alexandria, VA, or Washington, D.C., this in-depth guide by SKS Dental and Dr. Smita Sabharwal offers everything you need to know.

The Dental Implant Consultation Process

In the initial planning and consultation stages, your dental surgeon will visually inspect the area where the implant is needed. They may also perform Dental X-rays and possibly a CT scan to evaluate bone density and oral structures. These imaging tools are essential in determining the success of the procedure and whether any simple tooth extraction is needed before implant placement.

If it is determined that the desired dental implant could be supported at the desired site, you will then be given an appointment to have the actual dental implant installation surgery procedure performed.

What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery

At the outset of the dental implant surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic to completely numb the affected area and a sedative will be administered if necessary, for instance if you suffer from dental anxiety.

Usually, the initial stage of a dental implantation surgery will involve the removal of an existing damaged or otherwise compromised tooth. In many cases, it will be necessary to install an alveolar bone graft, which is a bone graft made from synthetic or cadaver bone. This graft provides a solid foundation for the implant to adhere to. After the bone graft is installed, it will require two to six months to heal before the actual dental implant can be installed.

If the area targeted for the dental implant has no tooth and some sort of bone loss is present, then an onlay graft will need to be performed. This type of graft is more involved than the aforementioned alveolar graft. It requires about six months or more to heal before a dental implant can be installed.

In cases where there is sufficient bone present to support the desired dental implant, you may actually be able to get the dental implant installed at the very same appointment you have the old tooth removed at.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

As with most procedures and products, a dental implant surgery can vary quite dramatically in cost depending on who is performing the operation and what exactly is being done. A fairly conservative cost estimate for the installation of a single dental implant would range from $4500 to $5000. This cost would include the surgical procedure, all required components, and the implant crown itself.

As a general rule, don’t expect your dental insurance to cover your costs when it comes to dental implant surgery. Certain companies may help you pay for the crown of the dental implant, but they likely will not be willing to pay for the rest of your costs. This is due to the fact that many dental insurance providers consider dental implantation surgery to be an “elective” or “cosmetic” procedure which is not strictly necessary.

This is despite the fact that dental implantation surgery has become the de facto standard treatment for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants have become the standard for replacing missing teeth because they have a success rate of over 98% and offer a relatively conservative approach to solving this common problem.

What Potential Issues or Side Effects Could Occur with Dental Implant Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are of course risks with dental implantation surgery. Your dental surgeon will check for potential pitfalls such as bleeding disorders, medical conditions, allergies, and may perform an oral cancer exam to screen for any underlying concerns. Gladly, the success rate with these procedures is so high that you are highly unlikely to experience any serious problems with one of these dental implantation surgeries.

Failures of these surgeries, while very rare, could be caused by an unusual infection, a fracture of the dental implant itself, putting too much strain on the dental implant, or inadvertent damage to the nerves in the area. Generally speaking, as long as you are working with a dental surgeon who is properly qualified and knows what they are doing, you should not have an issue with any of these things.

In the event of a worst case scenario, your dental surgeon should simply be able to reattempt the procedure after you have had a sufficient amount of time to heal properly.

Pain Management and Recovery After Implant Surgery

When you have a dental implant installed, you will be under an anesthetic which numbs the area completely. This should prevent you from feeling any pain at all during the operation. After the procedure is completed and this local anesthetic has diminished in its effect, the amount of residual pain or discomfort you feel is going to vary with each specific case.

Generally speaking, the majority of people will experience a healing process that involves a similar amount of discomfort to that of a routine tooth extraction.

You may also be given antibiotics or rinses to promote healing and prevent infections—an important part of home care after oral surgery.

In most cases you should be fine with simply taking some over the counter pain medication such as Acetaminophen (as in Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (as in Advil). You can also use a cold compress or ice pack on the area to help any swelling to subside. If the surgery was a more invasive one, you might need a prescription pain reliever, which will need to be prescribed by your dental care provider, along with more recovery time. You may also be given prescription antibiotics and/or mouth rinse to help the area heal and to prevent any infection from occurring.

Who Performs Dental Implant Procedures?

Dental implantation surgery can actually be performed by any licensed dentist as long as the procedure follows the established standards. Because these implants are often placed directly into the jawbone, however, the dental professionals best suited to the task are those who work with the jawbone regularly and have a great deal of experience in performing restorative dental services, including implant procedures.

Oral maxillofacial surgeons, also known as Oral Surgeons, are one such type of dental professional. Periodontists are another, and they typically specialize in treating diseases of the gums and mouth, including those that affect the jawbone.

Hopefully this has helped to answer some of your questions and concerns surrounding dental implantation surgery. If you need one of these procedures, contact your dentist or orthodontist and see if they or someone they can recommend can perform the surgery.

Have you had any experiences with dental implantation surgery? Did it improve your smile and self-confidence? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below!

Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile

Missing teeth can impact your oral health, self-esteem, and quality of life. Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution. At SKS Dental, we help patients across Northern Virginia and D.C. restore their confidence with expert implant care.

Schedule your dental implant consultation today

If you’re ready to restore your smile, contact SKS Dental and book a consultation with Dr. Smita Sabharwal. Whether you’re in Arlington, Alexandria, or Washington, D.C., our team is here to provide exceptional care every step of the way.

Call us or schedule online today—and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile!