How To Prepare For The Dental Implant Procedure
You’ve been hearing about dental implants, and the idea of having a beautiful set of teeth that will return your favorite foods and a confident smile to you is tempting you to take the plunge. It’s understandable that there would be some trepidation, it’s a big step and most people don’t clearly understand what goes into getting dental implants. We’ve put together this handy guide to help clear the air and let you prepare for this procedure with confidence.
Preparing For The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants requires being certain that your oral health is capable of supporting the new implants as well as ensuring you can heal properly from the procedure. The first step involves getting a dental exam to explore the health of your gums, your existing teeth, and the structure of your jaw as it will be supporting the titanium implants your new teeth will be mounted on. During this exam, your dentist will ensure that you aren’t suffering from a current case of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and will check to ensure that you don’t have any extant problems with your remaining teeth. Your dentist may find it necessary to prescribe you antibiotics, an anti-bacterial mouthwash, and encourage you to have someone available to take you home when the procedure starts. Once cavities, root canals, and any existing gum disease are resolved, it will be time to move on to the next step.
The Day Of The Procedure
It’s important to know that this stage of the process is the beginning of a 6-9 month journey that will occur in a series of phases. The first visit of the process will involve anesthetizing your mouth, opening your gums to reveal the bone where the implants will be placed, drilling out a place for the implant to go, and then screwing the implant into place. Once the implant is in place the next step will involve putting a temporary cap on the implant for the duration of the healing process. Stitches will be used to close the incisions in your gums. For the next few months, your jaw will be allowed to heal, allowing the bone to securely attach to the implants.
Stage Two Of The Dental Implant Procedure
When you return for the next stage of the procedure your implants will be revealed again through the use of another small incision, though in some cases the cap placed on the implants will be situated above the gumline, allowing this step to be skipped. An extension will be placed on the implants to prepare for an impression to design your new teeth. This stage may take several visits as the dentist designs your implants and ensures they’re properly made. After all of this is completed and the final crowns placed, you’ll be done with the implant procedure and enjoying a great new smile!
Following these stages, your dentist will provide you with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to help ease any post-operative discomfort. In most cases, patients are able to return to work immediately. If you’re in the Lake City, FL area and are considering implants, give Dr. John Batlle a call at Southwest Family Dentistry, and begin your journey to a beautiful smile in the hands of a skilled and respected dentist.
