While losing one or more teeth can be inconvenient, a dental implant procedure can restore the function and appearance of your smile. They are a more natural tooth replacement option than other tooth restoration options. The dental implant procedure involves inserting metal, screw-like posts into the jawbone to replace the root of the lost tooth and provide support for an artificial tooth.
Dental implant procedures are available at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area. To get dental implants, you must be in good health and have healthy and adequate bone density. Contact our office at 620-317-0286 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Reviewing Concerns During The Consultation
During the initial consultation for dental implants, the dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including x-rays, CT scans, oral exams, and dental impressions, to determine the patient’s eligibility and prepare them for the procedure. The dentist will need to know the patient’s medical history, every medication they currently use, including supplements, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. Patients who have health conditions may receive antibiotics ahead of the procedure to prevent infection. If any oral condition is present, patients will need to undergo treatment before getting dental implants.
Afterward, the dentist will discuss the treatment plan with the patient, including the timeline, the different stages, and aftercare instructions. The treatment plan considers the number of missing teeth and the condition of existing teeth and jawbones. If the patient suffers from dental anxiety, the dentist will take the necessary measures to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure. Patients should discuss their fears and concerns with the dentist, such as concerns about risks of infection, implant rejection, potential allergies, and possible nerve damage.
For clarification, patients can also ask the dentist about measures to ensure the long-term success of the dental implants. The initial consultation allows patients to address their questions and concerns before proceeding with treatment.
- Patients should discuss their fears and concerns with the dentist, such as concerns about risks of infection, implant rejection, potential allergies, and possible nerve damage.
Preparing At Home For The Dental Implant Procedure
Ahead of the dental implant placement, patients can take certain steps and actions at home to reduce their anxiety. One helpful way to reduce dental implant fear or anxiety is to prepare ahead of time. This may include taking any prescribed antibiotics, using antibacterial dental rinses, and preparing soft food options at home. Patients can also arrange for transportation home after the procedure and clear their schedule after the implant to get sufficient rest.
Our dentist will take the necessary precautions and provide patients with the instructions and guidance to ensure a smooth treatment process. Before we proceed with the treatment process, our team will talk with the patient to determine the right plan to help them receive the implant as comfortably as possible. We will explain the procedure so that patients understand each step and feel safe receiving an implant.
- One helpful way to reduce dental implant fear or anxiety is to prepare ahead of time.
Choosing Between Fixed & Removable Implants
After the gums heal, the dentist will take additional impressions of the teeth and oral cavity. These impressions are used to fabricate the new artificial tooth. Patients can decide between fixed and removable dental implants.
Removable artificial teeth attach to a metal frame held by the abutment and snap firmly into place. It can be removed easily for routine cleaning and repairs. A fixed dental prosthesis is screwed or cemented permanently onto the abutment. They can only be taken out by a dentist.
- Patients can decide between fixed and removable dental implants.
Home Care After The Dental Implant Procedure
Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process, but it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine. To recover quickly and minimize discomfort after implant placement, implement the following home care techniques:
- Stick to a soft diet. Avoid foods that are hard to chew, high in sugar, or high in carbohydrates. Also, avoid any beverages that may irritate the affected area, such as drinking water.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush gently several times each day and use mouthwash as directed by the dentist. Gentle brushing reduces the risk of oral infection, gum inflammation, and increased discomfort.
- Avoid physical activity. Physical activity such as sports, weight lifting, and running may aggravate the affected area. The risk of aggravating the affected area is especially high if one receives a blow to the face. Talk to the dentist about what activities patients need during recovery.
Proper home care is essential to a quick recovery. It might be ideal to miss work for a short amount of time after implant placement and give yourself time to make the necessary arrangements for a convenient recovery process.
- Many patients consider the recovery process following implant placement to be the most challenging time of the process, but it can be made more tolerable by following an appropriate aftercare routine.
Home Care & Recovery
After the procedure, patients may need to use pain meds and antibiotics to relieve pain and fight infections. If discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms worsen following the procedure, the patient needs to contact the dentist as soon as possible. Until the stitches heal, it is advisable to stick to a diet of soft foods.
Excellent oral hygiene is important to prolong the lifetime of dental restoration. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, going to the dentist for cleaning and checkups, and avoiding harmful oral habits such as smoking or chewing hard substances.
- After the procedure, patients may need to use pain meds and antibiotics to relieve pain and fight infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Implant Terminology
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration is the process by which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Literally “around the tooth.”
Resorption is the process by which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts that penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.
Call Us Today
Call us or get in touch via email to learn more about the dental implant procedure or to schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation. Our friendly team is willing and able to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process.