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5 Things You Must Know Before Dental Implant Surgery
1. What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a titanium fixture placed into the jawbone, then a crown (prosthetic tooth) is attached on top. It is considered the closest restoration to a natural tooth in terms of chewing function and stability.
Many patients imagine it as simply 'screwing in a tooth,' but the key process is osseointegration — the titanium fixture fusing with the bone over several months. This period accounts for most of the treatment timeline.
2. Will I Need a Bone Graft?
If a tooth has been missing for a long time or significant time has passed since extraction, the jawbone may have resorbed and become insufficient for implant placement. In these cases, a bone graft is performed before or at the same time as implant surgery.
Bone quantity and density are evaluated precisely with a 3D CT scan. At Seoul TTE Dental Clinic, we assess your bone condition before treatment and explain whether a bone graft is needed — and what type — during your initial consultation.
3. How Long Does the Full Treatment Take?
Without a bone graft, the process takes approximately 4–8 months from fixture placement to final crown, including a 3–6 month osseointegration period. The timeline varies based on each patient's healing and bone quality.
If a bone graft is required, add another 3–6 months. We provide a specific treatment timeline during your first visit so you can plan accordingly.
4. What About Pain and Recovery?
The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will feel minimal pain during surgery. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience swelling and discomfort for 1–3 days, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.
Swelling typically peaks 48–72 hours after surgery and gradually subsides. Smoking impairs osseointegration, so we strongly recommend avoiding smoking throughout the treatment period.
5. How Are Digital Implants Different?
Seoul TTE Dental Clinic uses digital guided implant surgery. Based on 3D CT data, a computer simulation is performed before surgery to pre-plan the exact position and angle of the fixture, which is then translated into a surgical guide used during the procedure.
In eligible cases, a flapless (minimally incised) technique can reduce bleeding and recovery time. The digital system improves surgical accuracy and allows us to walk patients through the treatment plan visually before the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is dental implant surgery painful?
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so pain during surgery is minimal. After the anesthesia wears off, expect swelling and mild discomfort for 1–3 days, which is well-managed with prescribed medication.
- How long do dental implants last?
- Implant longevity depends heavily on oral hygiene and regular check-ups. With proper care, many implants last 20+ years. The crown (prosthetic) component may need replacement every 10–15 years.
- How do I know if I need a bone graft?
- A 3D CT scan measures the quantity and density of your jawbone precisely. Based on the results, we determine whether a bone graft is needed and explain all options at your initial consultation.