Are you tired of dealing with the hassle of caring for dentures every day? Have you been considering replacing your missing teeth with durable, lifelike dental implants, but are holding back because you’re afraid of the procedure being painful? Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to feel when you get these permanent restorations, and why there’s no need to let nerves stand in the way of rebuilding your healthy, beautiful smile!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement prosthetic. They work by surgically inserting a titanium or zirconium post into your jawbone, where it fuses in place via a process known as osseointegration. Then, once healed, your implant or implants will receive an abutment and either a single crown, bridge, or denture that looks and feels just like real teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, these restorations provide important jawbone stimulation which prevents deterioration and further tooth loss. They also allow you to eat a full diet, and because they’re fused to your jaw, they won’t slip or slide, nor will you need to remove them for cleaning like you do with dentures!
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
It is understandable that you might be nervous about a surgical procedure. The good news is that dental implant surgery is very safe. First, your dentist will numb your mouth to ensure that you feel nothing during treatment. Then, once you’re comfortable, incisions will be made in the gums, and the implant posts will be surgically inserted into the jaw. Then, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and protective caps will be placed over the exposed posts. After that, you’ll be free to go home and begin the process of osseointegration.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery
Recovering from dental implant surgery could take a few weeks, but the good news is that because your jaw doesn’t have very many nerve endings, it’s usually a relatively mild process. You will likely experience some soreness and discomfort over the first 48 to 72 hours; however, this is usually well managed with pain relievers and by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions as closely as possible. You can also keep pain at a minimum with the help of ice packs, by eating a soft diet, and by avoiding potentially dangerous activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, and using a straw.
The osseointegration period can last anywhere from four to nine months; however, this will depend on your individual health and how closely you adhere to your aftercare instructions.
Once your implants have successfully fused in place, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for the abutment surgery, which requires incisions to be made in the gums to place them. Your mouth will be numbed for this procedure as well, but it should not require the downtime of the first procedure, and healing should be much faster and more comfortable.
Finally, you’ll return a third time to have your restorations placed by your dentist. This last visit should not require any numbing or invasive treatment. In fact, once completed, you’ll be able to return to your regular activities with a stunningly restored smile that can be used immediately!
Remember, while it’s normal to be a little apprehensive about the process of restoring your smile with beautiful, lifelike dental implants, you can rest assured that your dentist will take every precaution to make treatment as safe and comfortable as possible. To learn more about this treatment and to see how your dentist can permanently restore your healthy, pain-free smile, schedule a consultation today to get started.
About Dr. Clark
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and his DDS from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Passionate about continuing education, since graduating in 2004 he has taken numerous additional courses through the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and Spear Education. He is also a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, just to name a few. To schedule a consultation for dental implants at Hill Avenue Dental, visit our website or call us today at 715-392-5161.