. Health Library - South Houston Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Dental Implants: Your Surgical ExperienceLos implantes dentales: Su experiencia con la operaci³n

Dental Implants: Your Surgical Experience

Your dentist has recommended dental implants for your missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Surgery is used to place the implants in your jawbone. Most implant surgeries are performed in a dental office. Read on to learn more about what to expect with surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

To prepare for surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions. Also:

  • Tell your doctor if you're taking any medications, herbs, or supplements.

  • Wear comfortable clothes to the office.

  • Take antibiotics as prescribed.

  • If you will be sedated or asleep (under general anesthesia) during surgery, arrange for an adult to give you a ride home. Also, don't eat or drink for several hours before surgery.

During Surgery

The length of surgery depends on how many implants are placed. If you're awake, you may hear sounds or feel vibrations. But you shouldn't feel any pain.

  • Upon arriving, you may be asked to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic.

  • You may also be given medication to help you relax or to make you sleepy.

  • Right before surgery, the jaw is numbed.

  • The surgeon will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. This allows the surgeon to prepare the bone.

  • To prepare the bone, a precise hole is slowly and gently drilled into the jawbone. The size of the hole depends on the size of the implant.

  • The implant is twisted or gently tapped into position.

  • Then the incision is closed with stitches.

  • In some cases, abutments are placed at the same time as implants. Abutments are connecting pieces that join artificial teeth (prostheses) to the implants.

Risks and Complications

The risks and complications of implant surgery include:

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Failure of the implant (jawbone doesn't fuse to the implant)

  • Injury to adjacent teeth or sinus

  • Injury to nearby nerves and muscles

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Discover the possibilities of noninvasive procedures from an oral surgeon. Call 281-412-0099 or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form.

What Our Clients Say About Us

My name Is Judith O. I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Luis Craig when I was having problems with my vision, my skin wouldn’t allow me to open my eyes or see peripherally completely. My Optometrist suggested I should have “bleph". I was referred to Dr Craig, an excellent person and a great surgeon. He performed my surgery, with no complications, and in a week nobody could tell I had anything done. Not even my Optometrist. She was happy, like me, with the outcome. My vision improved 100%. Thank you Dr Craig. May God bless you and your hands.
Sincerely, Judith, O