What to Expect During Implant Surgery

Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery in Encino CA

Prior to their procedures, patients are given thorough instructions as to how to prepare for surgery and what to have available afterwards. Most implant procedures can be performed in Dr. Maranon’s office under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used even if the procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.  Surgery is then performed with patient comfort and safety as priorities.

For patients undergoing their procedures under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, it is important that they not have anything to eat or drink for eight hours before their procedure. These patients must have an adult escort to drive them to and from their surgical appointment. Implant surgery requires strict attention to surgical principles. Procedures are planned and performed delicately with strict attention to sterility and surgical technique. Because of the delicate nature of the procedure, Dr. Maranon’s patients usually report that the extraction of the tooth involved a more lengthy recovery than the implant recovery took.

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Maranon is able to place dental implants with just one surgical procedure. At that procedure, implants are placed within your jawbone where a tooth is missing. In areas where aesthetics are a concern, patients are able to wear provisional (temporary) teeth or removable appliances right after the procedure. There are circumstances or individual situations that will allow for implants to be placed with immediate functional restorations but the entire procedure usually takes two to six months between the first and last step. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

There are also some situations that require that the implants be placed using a two-implant surgery technique. At the first procedure, implants are placed in the bone where a tooth is missing. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums and gradually fuse with the bone. As with the one stage technique, patients are able to wear provisional (temporary) teeth or removable appliances. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase allows for Dr. Maranon to uncover just the top of the implants so that the restorative process can begin. This entire process may take four to six months, but can take longer.

Because of their presenting condition or needs, some patient may require other procedures prior to implant placement. These procedures usually involve grafting of bone and soft tissue, which are used to restore lost jaw architecture and support.

The different options that the patient has will be discussed once Dr. Maranon completes his examination. To schedule an exam and consult, please visit our Scheduling page or call our Encino office: Encino Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 818-990-5500.