Losing one tooth not only impacts your smile; it may also become a problem in terms of biting food. Moreover, the loss of a tooth may influence other teeth and the jawbone. The remedy for such a scenario is to put an artificial tooth in the location of the absent tooth with a post which is put in the jawbone. It’s good for you to know what to expect before, during and after your dental implant treatment.
What Takes Place Before Dental Implants?
Before getting dental implants, you go through an evaluation process. Your doctor may evaluate your teeth, gums and jawbone with the help of dental X-rays or 3D images. Your personal medical history and oral health status are also significant. There are times when patients have to go through the bone grafting process as their jawbone is not able to support the implant.
How is a Dental Implant Placed?
In most cases, the placement of a dental implant is done under local anesthesia to numb the treated area. However, in some cases, sedation or other types of anesthesia may be considered.
As a result of this procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will access the patient’s jawbone where the post will be implanted. The gums may also be stitched up to allow further healing to take place.
Why Does Healing Take So Long?
With the healing of the dental implant, the patient’s bone tissue slowly grows around it. This process is referred to as osseointegration. Thus, this biological healing results in a firm foundation for the dental implant for a new artificial tooth. That is why this procedure may take several visits to the dentist. After the healing of the dental implant, the dentist may attach an abutment to the implant.
What Is Recovery Like after Implant Surgery?
It may happen that there is some pain, swelling, bruising, or bleeding after the dental implant surgery. These symptoms are quite normal but depend on the patient and on the procedure itself. There is also a chance that the dentist may prescribe some pain medication or recommend eating soft food till the recovery. Oral care is very important in the process of recovery. If there is any sign of deterioration, you should visit your dentist without fail.
What Will Be Next After Recovery?
After proper healing of the implant and tissue around it, the new tooth will be placed. It is possible to take impressions in order to make a tooth which would fit an individual’s mouth perfectly. As per the plan, the restoration can be a crown, bridge, or dentures supported by the implants.
Conclusion
The process of a dental implant procedure is one that involves planning, surgical procedures, and healing before the placement of the artificial tooth. Although the process will cause some swelling and pain in most cases, following aftercare instructions as directed by the professionals will help maintain the implant properly. In case you need a personal evaluation on whether you qualify for implants, we will guide you in doing that at Family Dental Care Cloverdale.