The team at Long Family Dental provides patients with dental implants in Midlothian and Cleburne. Are you getting ready for tooth replacement with implant dentistry? If so, there are a few things you should know in preparation for your procedure and recovery.
#1: Dental Implants Take Time
From start to finish, the dental implants process may take many months to complete. A typical dental implant procedure lasts around six to eight months. It seems like a long time, but the time is necessary for the proper healing of your dental implants. If you are having an implant placed in an area that shows when you smile, you’ll wear a temporary tooth replacement during this recovery period.
#2: Tobacco Use Seriously Affects Dental Implants
People who use tobacco should be aware of the negative effects the habit has on dental implants. Because smoking and smokeless tobacco weaken your oral health and prevent proper healing, tobacco use greatly increases the risk of implant failure. Kick the habit before undergoing the procedure for dental implants, and enjoy better implant and overall health as a result.
#3: Bone Grafting May Be Necessary
If your jaw bone is weak, if there is insufficient room for dental implants, or if your bone has deteriorated due to your tooth loss, you may need a bone augmentation procedure before dental implants can be placed. When a bone graft or sinus lift is necessary, the total treatment time may be lengthened.
#4: The Magic Is In the Osseointegration
Why do dental implants work so well? It’s thanks to a special feature of titanium — the fact that it is able to fuse with bone matter. This process, known as osseointegration, takes six months or more to complete (explaining the long recovery times with dental implants). Once the implant has integrated with your jaw, it’s as stable as any other bone in your body, providing unmatched security for the prosthetic device that is placed on top.
#5: Preparation Is Key for Successful Recovery
Prepare for your recovery after dental implantation to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort following your procedure — they’re the side effects typical of any oral surgery. Stock your fridge full of soft foods (think vegetable purees, fruit smoothies, and soups) to keep up your nutrition in the days after your treatment. Take your pain medication as directed for discomfort, and apply consistent pressure with a clean gauze to stop any bleeding that occurs. If side effects worsen or do not improve after several days, let your doctor know.
#6: Your Implant Dentist Is Your Friend
Before, during, and after your dental implant procedure, don’t forget you’ve got a close ally in your tooth replacement journey. The team at Long Family Dental is always here to provide advice and answer questions along the way! Please don’t ever hesitate to contact us with anything you need for your dental implants in Cleburne or Midlothian.