Learn What to do After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a therapeutic option for missing teeth. On the other hand, dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces your tooth’s root using a screw-like titanium post and a crown. Implants provide a strong foundation for the tooth cap that dental technologists design to match your natural teeth.

At A&A Dental, our dentist carries out the surgery depending on the type of implant you need and the condition of your jawbone. However, implant placement procedures will require more than a single visit to the dentist since they take time to heal.

Why Do I Need Dental Implant Surgery?

You will require implants to replace the root of your missing tooth. Unlike dentures, implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible and fuses with your jawbone easily. Therefore, implants will not slip or damage your jawbone.

The other factors that make you an eligible candidate for dental implants include:

• One or more missing teeth
• Fully-grown jawbone
• Adequate bone to fix the implants or a jaw bone that can be grafted
• Healthy oral tissues
• Non-smoker
• Will to commit months, for the process to be successful

Dental Implants Procedure in Holmdel, NJ

When receiving a dental implant in Holmdel, you will have to schedule multiple appointments with Dr. Arash Baseri.

The first step of the procedure involves preparations. Since the procedure involves multiple surgeries, the dentist will recommend thorough oral check-ups before the process. The check-ups involve:

• Comprehensive dental exams. The dentist will take x-rays and 3D dental images to check the condition of your mouth. He or she can also make impressions of your teeth and jaw.

• Medical history review. Your dentist or maxillofacial surgeon will ask you about any medical issues or medications you have been taking. The medications include all your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.

In case you have a heart condition or orthopedic implants, the dentist might recommend some antibiotics to prevent further complications. Also, the dentist can ask you about any allergies to avoid complications during anesthesia.

After carrying out examinations, the dentist will develop a treatment plan, depending on the number of teeth in need of replacement and the condition of your jawbone.

Once you are ready for implants, the dentist will use local or general anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort during surgery. Next, your dentist or oral surgeon will cut incisions through your gum before placing an implant in the socket. As the jawbone and gum heal, it grows around the titanium post, making it firm.

The healing process can take up to 12 weeks.

After the implant has bonded, your dentist will place a pole known as an abutment to the implant. Before placing a tooth cap for your implant, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth.

He or she will send the impressions to a dental lab, where dental technologists will make a crown for your implant. The crown will be ready in at most two weeks. Next, he or she will attach the crown on the abutment and make necessary modifications.

Sometimes, if you have multiple missing teeth, the dentist can fit a removable denture over the implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• There are several benefits of dental implants, including:
• They improve your speech since they close gaps left by missing teeth
• Improved appearance since they look like your natural teeth
• Eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures
• Restore your smile and boost your self-esteem
• Does not alter the adjacent teeth since they do not require reducing

What Can I Expect After a Dental Implant Surgery?

Since it is a surgical procedure, it might take a couple of weeks to recover fully. You might also experience some discomforts such as:

• Swelling on your gum and face
• Minor bleeding
• Pain at the site of surgery
• Bruises and cuts

If you experience such discomforts, you can place a cold compress over the face to reduce swelling and pain. To prevent excessive blood loss, you can place clean gauze over the site of bleeding.

Taking Care of Dental Implants

Your implants require the same care as your real teeth. Therefore you should practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. You can also avoid harmful habits such as smoking, chewing on ice, and biting hard objects. When playing contact sports, use a mouthguard.