If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant can fully restore your smile and your abilities to speak and chew normally. Once your dentist has surgically implanted one or more titanium cylinders into your jawbone, your mouth will have the secure points of attachment it needs to support a crown, bridge or entire denture. With proper oral care and regular visits to your dentist’s office, your dental implant can last a lifetime. It’s easy to appreciate why American dentists provide more than three million dental implants annually!
The dental implant process is straightforward. Once your dentist has assessed your oral health and X-rayed your jawbone, they will determine whether you are a candidate for a dental implant. During the procedure your dentist will make an incision in your gums and then drill one or more narrow holes into the underlying jawbone. The implants are screwed into these holes where they will fuse to the jawbone. After your dentist has ensured that fusion is successfully taking place, they will affix a temporary crown, bridge or denture to the implant. The final replacement tooth or teeth are secured in place once the implant has fully fused to the jawbone.
People who are considering receiving dental implants are understandably concerned about the recovery process. That is why we have prepared answers to their most frequently asked questions!
Is Dental Implant Recovery Painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. The dentist begins by administering local anesthetic which eliminates all sensation of pain within the mouth. You may opt to receive nitrous oxide to help with anxiety during the procedure; alternatively, the dentist may administer a drug which renders you fully unconscious.
It is normal to experience discomfort after the procedure has finished. Pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Tylenol. Patients who experience severe pain may request a prescription for a stronger painkiller such as Percocet, OxyContin or Vicodin. Topical analgesic gel such as Sockit! can also help minimize pain while the jawbone and its surrounding soft tissues recover from surgery.
How Many Visits to the Dentist Come After Dental Implant Surgery?
Aside from the initial consultation, the dental implant procedure typically only requires a few visits to the dentist. The dentist performs the actual surgery during the first visit. They remove the stitches and assess how well the gums are healing during the second visit. Once three to five months have passed, you will see the dentist once again so they can place a metal healing cap over the implant. The dentist will finally fit and install the finished crown, bridge or denture during the fourth and fifth visits, respectively.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are successful 95% of the time. Several factors can contribute to a dental implant failure, such as infection, injury during or after the recovery period, allergic reaction to the titanium the post is made of, and improper placement of the implant.
Many dental implants fail because patients did not adequately care for them. You can ensure your dental implant’s best chance of success by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, abstaining from smoking, and minimizing your risk of gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene.
Dental implants have become extremely popular in large part because they are so often successful. Over 99% of patients who received dental implants reported satisfaction with the procedure five years after receiving it!
What Can You Eat While You Are Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery?
You may have to make significant changes to your diet while you are recovering from dental implant surgery. Acidic foods and beverages can hinder the healing process in addition to causing inflammation and pain in the soft tissues surrounding the implant. This is why a patient is advised to avoid consuming citrus fruits, tomatoes, grapes, pineapples, apples, alcohol, fruit juices, coffee and tea during their recovery period. They are also advised to avoid hard and crunchy foods while their implant is fusing to the surrounding jawbone.
A diet composed of soft, nonacidic foods is recommended during the dental implant recovery process. These include oatmeal, eggs, bananas, avocados, mashed potatoes, smoothies, protein shakes, and, quite naturally, soup.
What Can You Do to Speed Up Recovery From Dental Implant Surgery?
The best thing you can do after undergoing a dental implant procedure is get plenty of rest, as physical labor and heavy exercise can both exacerbate pain and inflammation. You should also avoid placing pressure against the implant while you are brushing and flossing, as well as elevate your head while you are sleeping by resting it on multiple pillows. Abstain from using any tobacco products. Most importantly, you should keep every follow-up appointment with your dentist, as they will look for any complications which could delay your recovery and treat them accordingly.
Would you like to learn more about receiving a dental implant in Logan, Utah? Then we welcome you to contact All About Teeth to schedule your initial consultation today. Dr. Corey Hogge and our team are standing by to ensure that your dental implant procedure is a success!
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