If you need to replace your missing teeth, you might be considering dental implants. You’ve heard that they’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, and you’d like to see for yourself if they’re a good option for your needs. That said, if you have an upcoming consultation to determine your candidacy, you should also show up prepared to ask questions; going into the procedure with confidence and information is crucial to ensuring that your implants serve you well! Here are a few questions you shouldn’t shy away from asking during your dental implant consultation.
1. Will I Need Any Preparatory Procedures First?
Not every patient is immediately a good candidate for dental implants. Patients will need to have sufficient jawbone density in order to accommodate the implant posts – they will need enough bone tissue to fuse with! Fortunately, a bone graft can often be performed to fortify the bone tissue as needed. Likewise, patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy first, since gum disease poses a massive threat to dental implants.
2. What Is the Typical Length of the Procedure?
The length of the procedure depends on a few things; one key factor is the need for any preparatory procedures, like a bone graft. This can add several months to the total treatment timeline. As for the actual dental implant procedure, it normally takes one session to place all of the implants, with a single implant taking around half an hour to place, and multiple taking longer.
3. What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Patients can go home immediately after their implant placement, and you can expect some post-op symptoms such as gum swelling, mild bleeding, and increased sensitivity. You’ll be given medication to prevent infection and manage your pain, as well as guidelines for ensuring comfort during this crucial period. Your dental implants will need several months to fully fuse with your jawbone, so during this time, you’ll have to take excellent care of your oral health and avoid any bad habits that could compromise your implants.
4. How Can I Ensure My Implants Last?
Following the surgery and your recovery, it falls on you to take care of your implants to ensure they last. Your dentist will provide you with guidelines on how to do this, but they mostly revolve around avoiding bad oral habits like smoking or failing to wear a mouthguard, coupled with excellent at-home oral hygiene. You’ll also be expected to maintain your routine checkups and cleanings. Assuming you can do all of this, your implants can serve you well for several decades or potentially even a lifetime!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Zelia D. Cannon and Dr. James Shahinian, our team here at Gentle Dentistry Sparta has proudly served the dental needs of patients in Sparta, NJ, and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a vast range of services, including dental implants, and are partnered with the best local specialists to ensure that you receive the restoration you need. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, you can reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (973) 729-9044.