Have you mastered the closed-mouth smile? Self-conscious when talking to others? Do you have trouble eating certain foods, or just avoid them entirely?
You don’t have to live this way. Dental problems can result from injury, neglect, genetics, or many other reasons. There is no reason to live with a feeling of shame.
Treatment to rebuild your smile is possible. A dental implant can fill in any gaps and have you grinning in no time.
Want more information on the dental implant procedure? Read on to get the answers to four common questions people often have.
The Dental Implant Procedure Takes Some Time
Don’t expect one dental visit to take care of your issue. Replacing a missing tooth is a multi-step process. Expect to spend time before the procedure preparing for the procedure. It will take a few trips to complete the process.
The tooth replacement process is typically successful, but there are a few things you can do to improve the outcome.
- If you smoke, you should stop. You know there are many negative health consequences of smoking. One that you may not have considered is smoking’s effect on your oral health.
- You may require a bone graft. Depending on the health of your existing jawbone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft before the implant. The rod inserted into the jawbone requires enough bone to bond if your implant is going to succeed.
- Chronic health conditions can affect results. If you have certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, you have an elevated risk of developing an infection surrounding the tooth implant. Your dentist needs your medical history to know if you are at an increased risk of post-implant infection.
Expect at Least Two Visits
Whether visiting an expert dentist in Hertfordshire or elsewhere, a tooth implant procedure is a two-step process. The first is implanting a titanium rod into the jawbone. The rod needs time to bond with the bone before placing the crown on the implants.
The tooth implant procedure is a two-step process. The first is implanting a titanium rod into the jawbone. The rod needs time to bond with the bone before placing the crown on the implant.
Around three months after the initial procedure, your dentist should be ready to fit the crown. An abutment is first attached to the metal post, which is then topped with the replacement tooth.
You May Have Your Choice of Pain Relief
A dentist with experience performing dental implants, such as Dr. Suzanne Caudry, will work with you to find the best pain control solution. The procedure involves opening up the gum to insert the implant, so some level of anesthesia is needed for pain control.
Pain relief options generally include local or general anesthesia as well as sedation. While general anesthesia provides the most complete pain relief, it also comes with additional instructions to prepare for surgery. You will also need transportation home after the procedure.
Another consideration with pain relief options is cost. The dental implant cost will be lower if you have the procedure under local anesthesia. General anesthesia requires more involved care and monitoring, driving the price up.
You May Take a Little Time to Recover
Healing from a dental implant procedure doesn’t happen immediately. Discomfort and bruising are common, and you should plan to take it easy for a day or so. While you may have expected the swelling around your gums, be prepared for visible swelling of your face as well.
Depending on your recovery, your dentist may prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, or both.
A Healthy Smile Is Possible
If you are unhappy or self-conscious about the smile you present to the world, it is not too late for improvements. A dental implant procedure is a remarkably safe and effective way to replace tooth loss from injury or disease.
Spend some time looking over the health section of this site for more ideas on improving your oral health.
