Getting dental implants is a process that takes several procedures done over several months. Some of the visits are for oral surgery, so you will have to prepare yourself.

Small preparation steps will help to get your body ready for the procedures, while others will help you heal after the oral surgeries.

Here is what you need to do to make sure your dental implant treatment is successful.

1. Get a comprehensive dental examination

An exam helps a dentist determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. It also gives valuable information that the dentist uses to come up with a treatment plan.

The dentist will evaluate the patient by taking x-rays, doing a visual exam and going through the patient's medical records.

The step-by-step process of placing the implant will depend on the following information:

• If a patient is found to have a weak or suppressed immune system, the dentist will put them on antibiotics before and after each oral surgery
• If the patient is allergic to any anesthetic or dental materials, the dentist will use alternatives
• If the patient is on medication that could interact with the anesthetic or affect the dental implant surgeries, the dentist will adjust the treatment plan
• If the patient's jaw needs to be prepared, the dentist will perform bone grafts or jaw reshaping to the treatment plan
• If the patient is extremely healthy, the dentist may choose to place the implant and abutment during a single surgery. In some cases, the dentist may even fit the crown along with the implant and abutment

Based on the results of the evaluation, the dentist will formulate a treatment that will cater to the patient's needs. They will take the patient through the treatment plan and advise the patient on how to prepare for each procedure.

2. Start a course of antibiotics if necessary

If you receive a medical implant or organ transplant, then you may use immunosuppressant drugs to prevent the body from attacking the implants/transplants. Before having dental implants fitted, you must take antibiotics, which take up the role of a substitute immune system.

For this same reason, patients with chronic conditions must take antibiotics before and after getting dental implants.

3. Prepare the body for the procedure itself

If you will receive the oral surgery under general anesthesia, then you will have to fast for 12 hours before the surgery begins. You should also wear loose, comfortable clothing that will help the procedure to go smoothly.

4. Get the jaw prepared if necessary

If for whatever reason, the jaw cannot anchor the implant properly, the dentist will improve the jaw's structure in one of the following ways:

• The dentist will do a bone graft if the jaw is too thin or too soft to hold an implant
• They may smooth or reshape the jaw if needed
• If the jaw is too large or bulky, the dentist will remove some bone from the jaw
• The dentist will also remove any impacted teeth found inside the jaw

After the jaw heals, the remaining dental implant procedures can occur.

5. Schedule downtime and prepare for after-care

After each procedure, some soreness and swelling is to be expected, so you will need to rest and heal. You should give yourself a few days off by making some arrangements before each surgery. Arrangements such as:

• Stocking up on soft foods and pain medication
• Getting two days off from work or social engagements
• Having a light schedule for one week after the oral surgery
• Taking a break from exercise
• Arranging for childcare or help around the house for the first two days after oral surgery

Preparation affects outcome

How you take care of yourself before and after each procedure will affect how fast and how well you heal. The preparation may sound like a good deal of work, do not worry. The dentist will guide you every step of the way.

Are you considering a dental implant in the Irving area? Get more dental implant information at https://dentalartistryirving.com.

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What are dental implants?   

Dental implants are the standard treatment procedure for teeth replacement. Implants fuse with the bone to support dentures and crowns. They are small posts made of titanium to substitute the roots of a lost tooth. The dentist performs a minor surgery of inserting the dental implants into the jawbone. After adding the implant into the jawbone, the dentist then fixes a very realistic porcelain tooth crown.

In some instances, the implant has to form entirely with the bone for some months before the crown is fixed permanently. In other situations, you may get new crowns, albeit temporary on the same day you have your implants set.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

There is no limit to the number of teeth that you can substitute with implants – one, two, or all of your teeth. You don’t require single implants for each missing tooth. Just two implants can sustain a detachable lower denture. With at least four implants, you can provide sufficient support for your entire upper or lower teeth.

Is a dental implant procedure painful?

This is a common worry for people who are considering a dental implant. If the procedure is performed by an expert dentist, it is uncomplicated and straightforward. The operational aspect of the process should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. In some complicated cases, however, it could take longer.

Before the process, the dentist may place you under anesthetic. The anesthetic injection may sting a bit, but it will render you numb throughout the process so you won’t feel any pain. After the operation, the dentist may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers for any possible ache that you may experience.

How expensive are Dental Implants

In the beginning, dental implants are costlier than other tooth-replacement procedures like bridgework or dentures. However, they are far more durable and should never even require replacement. They are the best, and most cost-effective choice considering the lifetime investment for your comfort and health.

How do I care for dental implants?

Dental implants need the same treatment you give your natural teeth. You need to make regular dental checkups, brush and floss daily. While tooth implants are not susceptible to decay, the gum tissues surrounding them could get irritated or infected for lack of good oral hygiene.

What if my body rejects the implant?

No. It is impossible for your body to reject the implant since there are no genetic materials or living cells in them. The titanium component is biocompatible, and cases of allergies are sporadic. In some cases, the implant may not fuse fully with the jawbone if an infection is present or if it is exposed to pressure or force prematurely. Regardless, the success rate is 95%.

Do I need Dental Implants?

If you need dental implants, a dentist will be able to tell you after a comprehensive oral examination, which may include x-rays of the jaw. You can book an appointment with the dentist to be sure if you require dental implants.

Request a dental appointment here: https://dentalartistryirving.com or call Dental Artistry at (469) 656-4025 for an appointment in our Irving dental office.

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