If you have one or multiple missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implant restoration to help you gain back your ability to chew or even speak properly. The process lasts several months, but patients who receive this treatment are often satisfied with their experience and their new permanent implants. Preparing for the procedure requires several steps.
The first step to qualifying for dental implants is a comprehensive dental exam. During the exam, the dentist may take X-rays or 3D images of the patient's mouth. Additionally, talking about the patient's medical history is part of the exam. The dentist may ask about immune system issues, allergies, and current medications. This is also when potential preparation treatments, such as reshaping the jaw, can be discussed. Depending on a patient's medical history, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure to lessen the risk of infection.
The length of an implant restoration procedure varies greatly depending on the patient. The treatment plan is based on the number of missing teeth, the patient's overall health, and the strength of the jaw. If a patient is extremely healthy, the entire procedure may be done at one time. However, this is rare. Most often, the patient undergoes treatment to remove the broken teeth and their roots.
After healing, any necessary bone grafts are performed for the jaw. Once the jaw heals, the implant rods are placed in the jaw and must heal. After this healing, the crowns or dentures are placed on the implants. The entire process can take as little as a few weeks or up to a year or more, depending greatly on the patient's initial health and how fast they heal after each part of the process.
During the treatment plan discussion, the dentist also tells the patient what to expect after each surgical portion of the procedure. In addition to taking any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics, the patient should plan to take some time away from work for a few days after each part of the process. Although returning to work after two days is acceptable, the patient should only have a light schedule for the first seven days back.
The patient should also expect to have help with driving or childcare following the procedure, as being more tired than normal is common. Finally, the dentist is likely to recommend soft foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding exercise or other sudden movements. Expect to have follow-up appointments a few times in the first year after the procedure, which is to ensure the implants are healing correctly.
While the basic idea behind dental implant restoration is the same for everyone, each patient has unique needs based on the number of missing teeth, overall gum health, and other factors. If you are interested in getting dental implants, your dentist can help you decide if the treatment is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com or call Highlands Family Dentistry at (214) 491-5362 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
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