A dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal screw-like posts, as well as damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function similarly to natural teeth.
A dental implant operation can be an excellent substitute to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework, as well as an option when a lack of natural tooth roots limits the construction of dentures or bridgework tooth replacements.
During the surgery
As your surgery date approaches, you may need to complete various pre-operative procedures. The majority of these are intended to keep you healthy in the days and weeks following surgery.
You may be given an anti-bacterial mouthwash or antibiotics on prescription. These are precautionary steps that reduce your chance of infection following the treatment.
Finally, you’ll require someone to drop you off and pick you up. While not required for localised anaesthetics, it is required if you require IV or oral sedation.
What Happens after a Dental Implant Surgery?
After the dental implant process you may suffer some of the common discomforts associated with any form of dental surgery, whether you have dental implant surgery in one step or numerous phases, such as:
- Your gums and cheeks will swell.
- Your skin and gums may bruise.
- Implant-related discomfort
- Minor bruising
Following dental implant surgery, you may require pain relievers or antibiotics. Contact your oral surgeon if swelling, pain, or any other condition worsens in the days following surgery.
You may need to consume soft foods after each stage of surgery to allow the surgical site to heal.
Results
The majority of dental implants are successful. However, the bone does not always fuse enough to the metal implant. For example, smoking may contribute to implant failure and problems.
If the bone fails to fuse properly, the implant is removed, the bone is cleansed, and the process is repeated in roughly three months.
How to make your dental implants last longer
You may extend the lifespan of your dental treatment and natural teeth by doing the following:
- Maintain good dental hygiene – Just like your natural teeth, keep your implants, artificial teeth, and gum tissue clean.
- Cleaning the nooks and crannies around teeth, gums can be made easier by using specially designed brushes, such as an interdental brush that slips between teeth.
- See your dentist on a regular basis to guarantee the health and good functioning of your implants and follow the recommendations for expert cleanings.
- Avoid harmful behaviours. Chewing hard materials like ice and boiled sweets may wear-down or chip your crowns or natural teeth. Tobacco and caffeine items that discolour teeth should be avoided.
Are Dental Implant Right for You?
Dental implants provide patients with a great way to improve the look of their smile, offering a permanent solution that will help to restore your confidence! A dental implant is, however, a major undertaking – before the procedure can begin, your entire mouth must be examined to guarantee that dental implants are the right choice for you.
Depending on the type of care you require, the dental implant process might last up to nine months. However, they provide a great solution to improving your smile that does not have the drawbacks of bridges or dentures!
For more information on dental implants, visit our dental implant page and schedule a free consultation to see learn more about how our dentists can help to improve the look of your smile and restore your confidence!
