Dental Implants: What to Expect Before, During and After

A dental implant is simply a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged tooth with an artificial tooth. It consists of a screw-in metal post that replaces the root of the tooth, an abutment that is attached to the post, and an artificial dental crown. The artificial tooth will look and function like a real tooth. An implant is usually a multi-step procedure that can take some time. Today, we will help you understand what to expect throughout the process, from start to finish.

1. Preparing for your dental implant surgery

It is essential to take good care of your oral health before your dental implant surgery. Your dentist will perform a thorough dental evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. This may include dental x-rays to get a clear picture of your teeth. The dentist will then develop a customized treatment plan that is right for you. Therefore, the dentist will give you pre-surgical guidelines to follow. Some of the pre-surgical instructions may be as follows:

2. What to Expect Before Dental Implant

Dental implant surgery is done in stages until complete healing occurs. Therefore, it may take weeks to months to heal completely. The procedure of performing an implant involves steps such as:

If your jawbone is not dense enough, a bone graft may be necessary before the procedure. Failure to provide adequate support for the implant may cause it to fail to withstand the high pressure exerted during chewing. Thus, a bone graft is the best way to make a solid foundation for the implant. If the bone graft is intensive, you will wait until it grows enough to support the implant. Alternatively, your dentist may perform a minor bone graft at the same time as the implant surgery.

Local anesthesia or sedation may be used to manage pain during the surgery. Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate option for you. Your dentist will also advise you on alcohol consumption before dental implant surgery. Our dental center in Ottawa will ensure that you are in the best shape for the procedure.

3. During Treatment Waits

While the dental implant process may vary from person to person, the basics remain largely the same. Here are some of the steps involved:

4. Expectations after treatment

No matter how successful your dental implant surgery is, you are likely to experience some discomfort. Some of the discomforts may include:

Therefore, you may need to take painkillers and antibiotics after surgery. If you are concerned about any of the above issues, do not hesitate to contact our Ottawa dental center. It will be good to eat soft foods to allow the surgical site to heal quickly. You can take a day or two off after surgery to help your body relax and heal.

Final Remarks

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They are a perfect alternative to dentures and bridge tooth replacements. It is essential to avoid smoking, poor oral hygiene, and damaging habits that can cause the implant to fail.