A 5-Step Guide When Preparing Yourself to Get Dental Implants

Our teeth play a crucial role in our day-to-day activities by enabling us to chew food and communicate effectively. Nonetheless, teeth can be lost due to various factors like injury, cavities, or gum infection. The absence of teeth can affect our eating and speaking abilities, self-confidence, and quality of life. Fortunately, several alternatives, like dental implants, can replace lost teeth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone using surgical methods. A crown is then added to the implant to create a replacement tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. These implants are an excellent option for individuals with missing teeth because they have a long lifespan and can last many years if properly cared for. Additionally, they are the most realistic-looking option since the implant and crown are made to blend in with the color and form of the nearby teeth.

Before undergoing dental implant surgery, there are various steps you take to get ready for the procedure and guarantee that it is successful. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Undergo a Dental Exam

First and foremost, you must book an appointment for a dental check-up. Your dentist will assess the condition of your mouth and jawbone during this visit. If your jawbone doesn't have enough density to hold the implant, a bone graft may be necessary before the implant can be inserted.

Sometimes, an implant can be inserted right after a tooth extraction if jawbone density is enough. To determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, your dentist will review your medical history and the medications you are taking.

Step 2: Take the Necessary Medications

When your dentist approves dental implant surgery, they might give you some medications to prepare you for the procedure. These drugs may include antibiotics to stop infections and painkillers to help you cope with any pain that might come up during the healing phase.

To achieve the best results for your procedure and avoid complications like infections, inflammation, or bleeding that can affect the success of your implant, it's important to follow your dentist's instructions for taking the medications, including the recommended dose and frequency.

Step 3: Prepare Your Jaw

Your dentist will get your jawbone ready to receive the dental implant by removing any damaged or decayed teeth, removing any leftover roots, or reshaping the bone to ensure the implant's foundation is stable. As mentioned, your dentist may suggest a bone graft if your jawbone does not have enough density or volume to support a dental implant. This procedure involves using synthetic materials or bone from a different part of your body to reconstruct the jawbone.

However, if you do not need a bone graft, your dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the jawbone and create a small hole where the implant will be placed. The size and depth of the hole will depend on the size of the implant and the density of your jawbone.

Step 4: Monitor What You Eat and Drink

You must be mindful of your food and drink choices before undergoing surgery. Your dentist will suggest avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could harm your teeth or the surgery area. Additionally, you may need to refrain from consuming hot or cold items that could cause pain or sensitivity.

Furthermore, you must avoid alcohol and tobacco products since they can hinder the healing process and heighten the chances of complications. Your dentist will also request you to avoid caffeine, as it can boost your heart rate and blood pressure, which could disrupt the anesthesia during the operation.

Step 5: Get Enough Rest

Resting adequately before and after surgery is important for a successful recovery. Your body requires time to recover, so get enough sleep before the surgery. After the surgery, take it easy and avoid any demanding activities for a few days. Your dentist will give you specific guidelines on how much rest you need and when you can resume normal activities.

What to Expect during a Dental Implant Procedure

Going through a dental implant procedure is relatively straightforward but can vary depending on your case. The dentist will start by administering local anesthesia to numb the area. Then, they will cut open the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and make a hole for the implant. The implant itself is a small screw made of titanium, which is placed into the jawbone. The gum tissue is then stitched back together. You'll need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the implant.

After the implant and jawbone have become one, the short-term crown is taken off, and a long-term crown is attached to the implant. The dentist will ensure the crown is the same color and shape as your real teeth to create a natural appearance. After the treatment, you might feel discomfort and swelling, but taking pain medication and ice packs can help manage it. It's important to follow your dentist's guidelines for after-care to guarantee a successful recovery.

It's worth noting that there are times when additional procedures may be necessary before or during the dental implant procedure. Besides a bone graft, it's also possible that you may need a sinus lift or periodontal treatment to prepare the site for the implant. Your dentist will discuss these options and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Conclusion

Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth, but you must understand the process and potential complications before undergoing the procedure. For this reason, you must consult with your dentist to know if you're an ideal candidate for dental implants. This way, you can ensure that you have a successful and satisfying experience.

If you’re looking for dental implants, The Dental Boutique Riverview can help! We provide our patients with comprehensive treatment options tailored to their needs to maintain oral health. Call us today at (813) 536 7766 to schedule an appointment!