Having a full set of beautiful teeth is something most people desire. Perfectly even pearly whites not only look beautiful and boost your self-confidence, but they also help keep your mouth healthy by protecting the bones and gum tissue. This makes chewing food easier, allows you to speak properly, and protects the overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums. But when you’ve lost a tooth, it can feel embarrassing to smile, and it can even make you feel somewhat hopeless that you’ll ever feel confident again. Enter dental implants.
Dental implants are the natural-looking solution to those missing teeth. For starters, they are the most permanent way to replace missing teeth. They are attached to the jaw bone by a titanium screw that is implanted into the bone. Then the false tooth (or crown) is placed onto the screw, restoring your beautiful smile and allowing you to chew and speak properly again. Dental implants also protect the health of the bone and tissue surrounding the missing natural tooth.
When considering dental implants, it is natural to have a few questions. Many people want to know how long the recovery from dental implant surgery will take. While it varies from person to person, the general rule of thumb is to expect your recovery to take about one to two days.
To install the implant, the area will first be numbed, much like you’d be numbed for a filling, and the titanium screw is installed in the jaw bone. After the titanium screw is installed into the bone, you may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Generally, painkillers are prescribed to manage any pain or discomfort associated with your dental implant surgery, but this is not usually needed beyond the first few days following your surgery.
Preparation for dental implants is easier than you think. Mainly, you should have plenty of soft foods available for your post-surgery meals, such as smoothies, soft cheeses, hummus, lunch meats, rice and oatmeal. Also, make sure you pick up your prescribed pain medication and mouthwash as early as possible so you aren’t in pain when you shouldn’t be.
Caring for your dental implant or implants is crucial to the successful implantation of the screw as well as the health of the surrounding teeth. Thankfully, caring for your implants is much easier than you may think. All it entails is brushing twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. You should also be flossing between each tooth, including the dental implant or implants. While implants will likely not stain, it’s still important to brush and floss so you can protect your remaining healthy teeth and gums, and prevent new cavities or gum disease (periodontitis).
You may also be prescribed a mouth rinse to protect the teeth and gums while your dental implant site heals.
With proper care, you can expect your dental implants to last the rest of your life. Should anything happen to the crown, it can be replaced. On the off chance your metal screw does not take properly into the bone, you may be advised to get dentures or a bridge if possible. That is why it is vital to care for your dental implants as prescribed by Dr. Smith.
Furthermore, if you are receiving a full mouth of dental care, you should still be brushing, flossing, and attending regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Smith. This will help protect your gums from periodontal disease and can even safeguard your overall health.
While there are many options for getting your dental implants installed, Dr. Smith has the skill and expertise to install them properly. After all, even the smallest mistake can cost you the integrity of the implant and can even cause your healthy teeth to shift or become damaged.
If you are interested in learning more about your dental implant options, please contact Breathe Modern Dentistry and Dr. Jordan Smith for more information today.