You’re so excited because you’re finally going to get your missing teeth back. After years of uncomfortable eating and awkward speaking, you’ll be able to fully smile again. Dr. Ron Hendricksen has already explained to you why dental implants in Goode are so effective and how they are the best way to restore your missing teeth; that part you completely understand. He tells you that the procedure starts with a minor surgery where the titanium roots will actually be placed into your jaw. Your only question is, what should you expect after that?
After Dental Implant Surgery
When you choose to get dental implants with Dr. Hendricksen, he will refer you to a local oral surgeon specialist for the first part of the procedure. This will give you the greatest chance of success with your dental implants. The surgery itself can often be completed with only local anesthesia. Afterwards, you may experience the typical discomforts associated with dental surgery, such as swelling, bruising, or minor bleeding. These will likely be very slight and can typically be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
The specialist will often use dissolvable stiches which you can easily remove yourself after a period of time. This helps save you an extra visit to the dentist in Goode and makes it easier for your implant sites to heal. You will be advised to eat softer foods during your healing period. Recovery time from the surgery is actually quite short, so why is Dr. Hendricksen giving you 3-6 months before he places your new tooth?
The Key to Implants
The reason dental implants are so effective is that the titanium root is bio-compatible. This means the natural parts of your body, specifically your jawbone, easily bond to the artificial material. This process is called osseointergration, and it takes time. This time not only allows the root to securely bond to your jaw, but also gives your body the opportunity to reestablish healthy blood flow to the area. Whenever you lose a tooth, the body naturally cuts off blood flow to the area, and this can lead to gum loss. The blood supplied to the new implant can help prevent and even reverse this process, it just needs time to happen.
Your New Tooth
Once you have completely healed, it’s time to get your new porcelain crown. At this stage, a series of impressions and scans will be made of your mouth to help design a new, natural looking tooth. You’ll have one last visit to Dr. Hendricksen so he can place it in your mouth. The process may involve a few more impressions and visits if you are getting an implant supported set of dentures. After it is all complete, you will have very little sensation in the implant itself. It will, however, look and function like a regular tooth. The only maintenance it needs is routine brushing and flossing to help it last a lifetime.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about what to expect after getting dental implant surgery, please give us a call today. We can assure you we will do everything we can to the make the process of restoring your teeth as easy and comfortable as possible.