The Dental Implant Process
Dr. Lehman focuses on dental implant placement and will likely be taking care of you throughout your dental implant process, although both of our oral surgeons have decades of training and experience placing dental implants. A single implant placement takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and multiple implants can take from 1 to 3 hours to place. We offer several types of in-office anesthesia, including IV sedation, so that our patients are completely at ease and comfortable during their procedures. We also provide detailed instructions to guide you through both treatment and recovery.
During the first appointment, your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health condition and take 3D CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans, which provide detailed and accurate images of your facial structures. From there, your ideal treatment plan can be designed.
During your surgical procedure, Dr. Lehman will make a small incision in the gum tissue and insert the implant into the jaw bone. The surgical site will then be stitched closed. After the procedure, you will have time to rest before your responsible driver brings you home to begin your recovery.
Usually, at the time of your implant surgery, a temporary abutment will be placed to allow the gum tissue to heal around the implant. Abutment placement is determined at the time of implant placement. Rarely, an implant may be covered with gum tissue. If this is required, a second procedure to uncover the implant may be needed. You may receive a temporary crown to wear during your recovery, but once enough healing has taken place, your restorative dentist will place the permanent, custom-made crown.