Learn More About Dental Implants Before And After

Missing one or several teeth can ruin your perfect smile, lower self-confidence, and make everyday functions like speaking and chewing challenging. The longer you wait without replacing, the more your jawbone deteriorates.

The surrounding teeth also shift towards the gap gradually, leading to misalignments. The gaps also tend to trap food particles and are harder to clean, increasing your risk of oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

A dental implant is an excellent way to replace lost teeth and prevent all these issues. This article looks at what to expect before and after getting dental implants.

Dental Implants Before

The first step to restoring your beautiful smile and oral function with implants is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. The dentist will examine your mouth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.

The exam may include physical exams, x-rays, digital images, and impressions. The dentist will also review your medical history and lifestyle habits. Gum disease, jawbone infections, underlying health conditions like diabetes, and tobacco use can increase the risk of implant failure.

Generally, a good candidate for teeth implants should have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone volume. It’s also essential to have a generally healthy mouth and body. If you smoke, you must be willing to quit. Excellent oral hygiene practices are also crucial to successfully heal from dental implant surgery.

If you’re eligible for the procedure, the dentist will discuss further details, including the costs, payment plans, how long the procedure will take, advantages, additional procedures like gum grafting, risks, aftercare, and more. Then, you’ll be scheduled for the surgery.

Dental Implants Surgery

If you don’t have enough jawbone, the dentist will begin with the bone grafting surgery. The procedure entails adding new bone tissues to the weakened bone to repair it and stimulate new growth. It takes about 3 to 6 months for the graft to heal.

The implant surgery is relatively straightforward. The dentist or surgeon drills through your jawbone and inserts the implant post. The bone heals around the implant posts in the process of osseointegration. The implant posts act like your natural tooth’s roots. This process takes about 3 to 6 months.

Once the implant has healed, the dentist will place an abutment and dental crown over the implant. The crown acts like an artificial tooth, allowing the implant to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth.

Dental Implant After

Since dental implant treatment works in phases, you may have multiple surgeries or procedures. Below are tips to promote faster healing and recovery during dental implant treatment.

• Wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating or drinking anything. Your surgeon or dentist will numb you to prevent pain during dental implant procedures. Unfortunately, the anesthesia can take a few hours to wear off. Until this happens, avoid eating and drinking, as you can easily burn, bite, or hurt your mouth.
• Rest adequately. Your body needs rest to heal faster and more efficiently. For the next 72 hours after surgery, avoid strenuous activity like heavy lifting or bending. These activities can increase pressure in the head and operated area, worsening discomfort and bleeding. When resting, keep your head elevated.
• Take medication as prescribed. After surgery, it’s normal to experience mild pain, swelling, and discomfort. Fortunately, your dentist will prescribe medication to manage these symptoms and prevent infections. Ensure you take the medication as directed. Notify your dentist immediately if your symptoms worsen or persist longer than expected.
• Use cold therapy. Applying an ice pack to the cheek outside the operated area can help minimize pain and swelling. Apply the ice pack for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Eat a soft diet. Since the treated area may be sore for several days, eating softer foods is advisable until you feel better. These include scrambled eggs, steamed fish, mashed potatoes, smoothies, lukewarm soups, and yogurt. Avoid hot, sugary, spicy, and hard foods.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Follow your dentist’s instructions about when to resume normal brushing and flossing. Warm salt water rinses can help wash away bacteria and debris and prevent infections.

Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

After your dental implant treatment, below are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Improved appearance and self-confidence
• Improved bite function
• Improved speech
• Improved oral hygiene
• Improved bone and oral health

If you are looking for dental implant restorations, please contact Maple Tree Dental for more information about seeing an oral surgeon for the implant placement and for the restoration in our office.