Dental care begins with consistency, and maintaining a consistent schedule with your dental professional can promote that consistency. Achieving your ideal smile isn’t always straightforward—sometimes, a great option can be cosmetic dentistry.
Dental implants are one of those cosmetic procedures you may be considering.
But what are dental implants? Why are they done? And do you need to be put to sleep to perform the procedure? Let’s take a look.
Dental implants are a cosmetic fix for if you have missing teeth due to decay, trauma, and wear and tear. Dental implants can fix any gaps left in your smile due to decay or trauma. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile, and dental implants can help alleviate that concern.
The dental implant process involves the insertion of a metal implant (usually titanium) where the tooth root will sit. An artificial tooth is screwed onto the metal rod following the healing process, and you’ll have full functionality once again.
The process of placing a dental implant involves several steps, including:
The process can take months from start to finish as you’ll need time to heal and allow new bone growth in your jaw.
Anyone healthy enough can undergo the dental implant procedure. Still, as always, your dental professional will be able to determine if it’s right for you.
Some advantages of dental implants include:
Dental implants are an ideal and permanent solution for missing teeth—with the evolution of dental science, they are also becoming the preferred option.
When people think about dental implant surgery, the term surgery may imply that the procedure could be painful or require being put to sleep.
The reality of the procedure is that it will be up to the judgment of your dental professional once they consult with you and figure out the best course of action. Many patients report very little pain and report that dental implant surgery involves less pain than a tooth extraction.
Dental implant surgery is most commonly an outpatient procedure. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Your dental professional will choose which type of anesthesia is best for your needs and move ahead with the procedure.
Depending on the type of anesthesia you have, your dental professional will be able to advise you on what you can eat and drink before the surgery and what to do following the surgery.
In the aftermath of the dental implant procedure, whether you have the surgery in a single stage or multiple stages. You may experience some of the usual discomforts that come with dental surgery, such as:
After each stage of surgery, you’ll need to maintain a diet of soft foods as the surgical site heals. Suppose you feel the swelling and discomfort getting worse. In that case, it’s advisable to get in touch with your dental professional as soon as possible.
You can assist with the recovery process by practicing good dental habits. You can help your dental work and your remaining natural teeth if you:
The dental implant process can take months, but your dental professional will be with you every step of the way to answer any questions or concerns.
Opting for dental implants is a great way to correct any missing teeth and correct your smile to your ideal look. The process can seem daunting at first, but the surgery itself can be performed safely and quickly. Monitoring your recovery procedure is essential, and practicing good dental habits can preserve your smile.
Book an appointment with your dental professional today to learn more about dental implants and if the procedure is right for you.
