What Happens During The First Surgery of An Osseointegrated Implant?

The first surgery to place an osseointegrated implant is a planned, step-by-step procedure to seat a titanium post into the jawbone and start the healing process. This article explains what occurs during the first surgery of an osseointegrated implant, what you’ll feel, how you’re evaluated beforehand, and what to expect during the 4–6 week early healing window before your clinician checks for stable osseointegration. Read on to learn the main steps, immediate recovery tips, and when you’ll move toward your final tooth.

What Is an Osseointegrated Implant?

Osseointegration is the process where bone bonds tightly to a titanium implant, making the post act like a stable tooth root. The titanium implant post is designed to encourage bone growth around it so a crown, bridge, or denture can be securely attached later.

How You’ll Be Evaluated Before Surgery

Consultation and imaging

You’ll undergo a clinical exam, followed by CBCT scanning or X-rays, and study models to map bone height, nerve locations, and determine the ideal implant position. These images guide precise planning to reduce surprises during surgery.

Medical history and treatment planning

Your provider reviews medications, medical conditions, and smoking status. If the bone is thin, they may plan a bone graft or sinus lift at the same time. A clear plan lowers risks and shortens overall treatment time.

Choosing anesthesia

Options include local anesthesia, oral sedation, or IV sedation. Local is common for simple cases; IV sedation may be recommended for anxious patients or more complex surgeries, so you’re comfortable and still monitored throughout.

What occurs during the first surgery of an osseointegrated implant

Step 1: Numbing and sedation

The team administers local anesthetic and any planned sedation as needed. Monitors track vitals, and staff ensure comfort. You may feel pressure but little to no sharp pain during the procedure.

Step 2: Incision and exposure

A small gum incision or flap is made to expose the jawbone at the planned site. This access lets the surgeon see bone contours and place the implant precisely.

Step 3: Drilling and implant placement

A pilot hole is drilled, then widened in stages to match the diameter of the implant. The titanium post is then gently seated into the osteotomy to the planned depth for primary stability.

Step 4: Bone grafting or sinus lift (if needed)

If bone is lacking, a graft or sinus lift may be performed during the same surgery to provide sufficient support for osseointegration. Combining procedures can reduce total treatment time.

Step 5: Closure and any temporary restoration

A healing cap or cover screw is placed, and the gum is sutured closed. In esthetic zones, a temporary tooth may be attached that avoids load on the implant while you heal.

Immediate Recovery After the First Surgery

What to expect in the first 24–72 hours

Expect mild swelling, light bleeding, and soreness managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain meds. Follow-up checks are often scheduled within a week to assess the healing progress.

Home care instructions

Use gentle rinsing, soft foods, avoid heavy lifting, and stop tobacco use to support healing. Keep the sutures and surgical site clean as instructed by your surgeon.

When to call your dentist

Contact your provider for uncontrolled pain, fever, heavy bleeding, pus, or if the implant feels loose.

Osseointegration: The Healing Phase

Bone bonding usually takes 3–6 months. Early checks occur around 4–6 weeks to confirm progress. Final impressions for the crown or prosthesis are taken once the implant has achieved stability.

Who Is a Good Candidate and Alternatives

Good candidates have adequate bone density, controlled medical conditions, and refrain from tobacco use. Alternatives include fixed bridges or removable dentures when implants aren’t suitable.

Why Choose Generations Family Dentistry for Implants Near Radcliff, KY

Generations Family Dentistry offers in-house lab work for faster, precise restorations, IV sedation for comfort, and experienced implant care from Dr. Darren Greenwell and Dr. Brooke Shelton. We accept PPO insurance, CareCredit, and financing to help make implants accessible.

Next Steps and Call to Action

If you want to learn more about what occurs during the first surgery of an osseointegrated implant in Radcliff, KY, schedule a consult to review your case and get a personalized plan for safe, long-lasting implant treatment.