Dental implants are considered the premier solution when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Thanks to their titanium posts and the manner in which they’re embedded, they’re capable of fully restoring lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. However, the process for getting dental implants actually starts with a consultation with your dentist; it is a surgical procedure, after all! Here are four important questions that you should ask during this appointment so that you can feel informed and comfortable about the dental implant process.
1. “Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?”
Not everyone is immediately a good candidate for dental implants, and a patient’s oral health is the single largest factor in determining implant eligibility since it is imperative to start the process with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density. In some cases, patients will need additional preparatory procedures such as a dental bone graft, gum disease treatment, or even a tooth extraction. Your dentist will need to perform a thorough inspection of your mouth, often including X-rays, to determine if you’re ready for implants or if your mouth will need a little prep work first.
2. “How Long Does the Process Take?”
The overall length of the dental implant process heavily depends on the number of implants being placed. It can sometimes take up to one hour to place each implant, meaning that if you have several teeth being replaced, it might take multiple visits. Of course, it will also take a few months for osseointegration, the fusion between implant and bone, to occur.
3. “What Does the Recovery Period Look Like?”
If your implants cannot healthily fuse with your jawbone, they will ultimately fail! That said, the recovery period for osseointegration is typically a few months; but once that process has wrapped up and you’ve received the rest of your implants, you can expect to be sore for a few days as you work towards resuming normal activities. During this time, you’ll be expected to stick to soft foods and utilize cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort.
4. “What Can I Do to Make My Implants Last?”
Fortunately, dental implants are quite durable; patients can expect to enjoy them for several decades with proper care! That said, your dentist can provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly care for your dental implants. It’s important to practice regular oral hygiene once you’ve received them, as a clean mouth is the only way to ensure they’ll last!
About the Practice
The team at Galleria Dental of Springfield is thrilled to serve patients and families in the area under the leadership of Dr. Eric Tolliver. The practice offers a wide range of services including restorative options like dental implants. If you have any questions about the article, or if you’d like to arrange a dental implant consultation, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (417) 887-5757.