Losing a tooth can have severe consequences for your oral and overall health. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided thanks to dental implant surgery, which permanently replaces lost teeth. However, many patients lack the confidence to undergo dental implant surgery due to a lack of knowledge.
Patients are often unsure what they can expect regarding the treatment process, and may feel worried about experiencing potential complications. The following blog will address these questions and more. And if you have any other concerns, contact our dentist or local oral surgeon.
What Happens During Implant Surgery?
The first stage involves determining a patient’s suitability and preparing them for the procedure. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, and take x-rays to see if your bone structure can support implants. If you don’t have enough material, you may require a bone graft.
Next, a titanium implant (also referred to as a post) is surgically installed into your jawbone. If the implant does not fit securely into the bone, lightly suture the gum tissue around it to facilitate tooth implant healing.
The implant must fully integrate with your jawbone for at least three months, whether the dentist covers it with additional gum tissue or a healing abutment. A second treatment, and the final stage of the procedure will see to it that the implant is covered. A standard dental crown is often the prosthetic of choice but dentures and bridges can be fastened atop the implant too.
Lastly, if our dentist agrees it is appropriate, you may be able to acquire same-day dental implants, and not need to wait several months to have the treatment completed.
What to Expect After Surgery?
It’s normal to have some soreness and swelling at the site for a few days after your visit. Moderate discomfort, treatable with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Immediately following surgery, light bleeding may occur, but this should stop within a day. Surgical sites tend to bruise easily.
Eat soft meals for a few days, then work your way back up to your regular diet. The implant usually takes a few months to fuse with the bone. It’s important to see our dentist often for checkups after dental work.
What is the Healing Timeline Following Dental Implantation?
Dental implants have one of the quickest recovery times compared to other procedures. Patients should expect to rest for 3 to 6 months, and many are pleasantly surprised by how little pain they have following tooth implant surgery.
That said, you can expect some mild to moderate discomfort for several days. Most people feel much better after taking pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. Additionally, your implant must have fully healed before the prosthetic can be added. Checking up with our dentist near you at least twice a year will ensure your implant stays healthy and operational.
How Do We Speed Up the Healing Process?
To aid in a speedy and healthy recovery, consider the following:
•Maintaining a clean environment around your implant, this helps you avoid infection. Dental implants should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth to prevent the buildup of bacteria that might lead to disease.
•Avoid scratching the false teeth by brushing with a soft bristle brush and mild toothpaste. Using floss that doesn’t have a wax coating will help with this.
•Acquiring a water flosser to flush the area around your implant can be a great benefit. While bacteria that become trapped behind your implants won’t cause them to rot, they can cause damage to the tissues around them. Always remember to thoroughly clean on all sides of your prosthetic.
Need Additional Assistance? Contact Our Dental Experts
Missing or damaged teeth can be replaced using dental implants. Talking with a professional and practicing good oral hygiene at home will ensure that your implants last a lifetime. Contact our staff at Albany Dental determine if dental implants are correct for you.