Preparing for Your Dental Implant Procedure
Do you have gaps in your smile from missing teeth? Ready to restore the function and radiance of your smile? Dental implants are a life-changing procedure for patients in need of permanently replacing their teeth. Many people choose dental implants for their natural appearance, ability to restore the structure of the face, and the familiar feel and function of actual teeth.
Timeline
The dental implant procedure consists of multiple stages and healing periods. Each stage requires the jawbone to heal completely before proceeding. On average, dental implants take about a year total to completely heal. Dental implants consist of three permanent parts:
- Dental implant replaces the natural tooth root. Titanium is chosen for dental implants, because it’s biocompatible and strong.
- The abutment connects the dental implant and the restoration. With proper placement, this abutment will hide below the gumline. Abutments are usually shaped from titanium, but abutments crafted from cubic zirconia are a strong, ivory-colored alternative.
- Color-matched porcelain prosthetic restorations reconstruct the function, feel, and beauty of your teeth. The type of restoration needed for your unique procedure will be based on the amount of teeth that you need to replace.
Prerequisite Bone Graft
If you do not have enough bone to support the implant, you must have a bone graft surgery before implantation. Bone loss may be due to periodontal gum disease, losing teeth in your jaw, or reabsorption of bone into the body after tooth loss. Bone grafts increase bone mass so that dentists can place a dental implant.
Implant Placement
Titanium implants are permanently placed under the gumline and screwed into the jawbone in hopes of osseointegration. Osseointegration occurs when the jawbone successfully fuses with the titanium implant.
Uncovering Abutments
After the jaw has healed and the implants have completed osseointegration, the abutment will need to be secured. An incision is made in the gum tissue, above the implant site, and the abutment is attached. The dentist may place a temporary restoration on top of the abutment. In about four to six weeks, your gums should heal.
Prosthetic Attachment
After the abutment has healed, the temporary restorations are replaced with permanent prosthetics. The type of prosthetic needed is based on the amount of space that needs to be filled in the mouth. Dentists choose one of the following dental prosthetics:
- A crown to replace one tooth.
- A bridge to fill in the gap of two to three consecutive teeth.
- Dentures to restore the function of an entire row of teeth or more.
Tips for Recovery
Preparing for Recovery from Day of Surgery
If you choose oral sedation, prepare to have someone else drive you home. Dentists prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, and possibly an antibacterial mouthwash to help diminish pain and bacteria growth.
Mild to moderate pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Prescription medication helps manage severe pain. Antibiotics and antibacterial mouthwashes are used to control bacteria growth and plaque in the oral cavity.
Other Tips for Recovery
- Enjoy soft, cold, liquid, and highly nutritious foods.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheeks to control swelling.
- Light bleeding may occur. If excessive bleeding happens, place fresh gauze over the open wound. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and contact your dentist for further instructions.
How to Care for Implants
In addition to regular visits for regular deep cleaning, routine maintenance is essential for increasing the lifespan of your dental implants:
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste.
- Brush under and around the dental implant crown to decrease bacteria and plaque.
- Floss! Depending on your type of implant, use a water flosser or Crown and Bridge floss for hard-to-reach areas.
- If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a tailored mouthguard.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Avoid chewing on hard items.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you would like to know more about your dental implant options, call (559) 732-4543 or message us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swanson.