If you’re reluctant to smile and laugh confidently because you have lost a tooth, a dental implant can restore your smile and confidence. A dental implant is a great solution that involves fitting a prosthetic tooth into the root area of the missing tooth. Once the implant is in place, it will resemble a natural tooth, and you will be able to talk, smile, and eat comfortably.
Still, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of dental implants. While this procedure is effective and relatively straightforward, the costs of permanent implants can be a setback for some.
Once you have weighed out the advantages and drawbacks, here’s what you can expect during and after the procedure.
During The Procedure
Before the dentist performs the surgery, the treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic while you are awake. Even though you will feel a bit of discomfort during the local anesthetic injection in your gums, you will only feel a slight pinch before the area is completely numbed. In some cases, the dentist may need to inject the area twice to ensure complete numbing.
Once the anesthetic kicks in, the dentist will start drilling into the space left behind by the missing tooth. It will only take a few minutes for the dentist to drill down to the root area. You may feel slight pressure during the drilling process, but rest assured you won’t feel any pain.
Next, the dentist will fit a titanium rod into the space onto your jawbone. Your jawbone will take about twelve weeks to grow around the rod. This process is known as osseointegration. While your jawbone is fixing itself to the metal rod, the dentist will fit a temporary denture on the exposed end of the rod.
As soon as the titanium implant is securely attached to the jawbone, you must revisit your dentist to fit the permanent tooth replacement. The procedure will start with a local anesthetic injection once again. An abutment is then secured over the titanium rod, and the permanent dental crown is fitted onto the abutment.
After The Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant procedures are quick and pretty straightforward, but knowing what to expect from the recovery can help relieve any anxiety you may have about the surgery. Even though implants are minor surgery, you will still need to recover from gum and face swelling, possible bruising, and minor to moderate pain. Fortunately, you can use OTC pain medications to manage pain, while anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate swelling and discomfort. Moreover, your dentist will recommend that you also take antibiotics during the recovery to prevent potential infections.
It’s also wise to eat soft foods and avoid sugary beverages. Remember to be extra careful when brushing and flossing around the treatment area to avoid bothering the healing process.
Even though it takes about twelve weeks for the titanium rod to merge with your jawbone, you will recover from the procedure in about a week or two. If you do experience swelling or pain after three weeks of the surgery, it’s essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible to treat possible infections or other rare complications.
Keeping Your New Smile Looking Good
Adjusting your food and beverage choices during recovery is essential, but you can maintain a regular oral hygiene routine after the implant has healed. There’s no need to treat the implant differently than a regular tooth.
Simply brushing gently for two minutes before flossing and rinsing your mouth with salt water or a mouthwash is sufficient. But remember to visit a dentist at least once a year for a general oral exam and a professional cleaning. Dental checkups are critical to maintaining a healthy, white smile.
Finding The Right Dentist
Now that you know what to expect during and after the procedure, you might be wondering how to go about finding the right dentist. Because dental implants can be pretty pricey, it’s essential to avoid choosing practitioners that charge below price averages; an inexperienced or unqualified dentist would charge less than the going rates.
On the topic of experience and qualifications, only choose a dentist with great service reviews and formal medical certifications. You should be able to find these details easily on the practitioner’s website.
After that, narrow your search down to dental practices in your area. It’s best to avoid driving for at least twenty-four hours after the surgery, so a local dentist will be more convenient. Lastly, compare prices to make a final decision.
