Do you want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, but you don’t know what to expect? Getting an implant involves several steps and can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some things to expect from El Paso dental implants.
1) You need to undergo an assessment
Before getting a dental implant, you will have to thoroughly examine your mouth, jaw, and bite. During this step, the dentist will determine your suitability for implant placement. Your dentist will also look at the adjacent teeth and gum tissue quality. You might also need some x-rays to see the structures of your jaw in better detail.
2) A temporary tooth replacement is needed if the adjacent teeth are damaged
If some of the adjacent teeth are in bad shape, then a temporary tooth replacement called a dental bridge may be recommended by your dentist. A dental bridge involves attaching false teeth on either side of the gap left by an extraction. This will keep your mouth active to prevent the gum tissue from shrinking back too much and the bone from resorbing.
3) You might need a pre-prosthesis preparation after your dental impressions
To do an implant successfully, your dentist needs to know any missing tooth’s size, shape, and position. Your dentist can estimate this based on your dental impression, but it is not always accurate. If your dentist thinks further adjustments are needed, you will have to return for a pre-prosthesis preparation. This involves getting another impression for fine-tuning.
4) The surgery can take up to two hours
The procedure will depend on the size and number of implants you require. A typical procedure involves preparing the jawbone, picking the implant position, mounting the implant, and securing the crown. Some procedures will also require bone grafting to promote healing. The operation normally takes around one to two hours.
5) You may experience some pain after the procedure
The surgery is not completely painless, even though most patients report little or no pain during the operation. Pain and discomfort will be felt after waking up from anesthesia. Over-the-counter medications for mild pain relief should help, but you can always consult a doctor if you need stronger medication or injections for quick pain relief.
6) You need to follow a strict recovery plan
While most people recover from dental implant surgery quite quickly, you should follow a strict post-surgical care plan to ensure your oral cavity is clean, dry, and free from infection. You need to avoid hot drinks, eat soft foods and avoid eating popcorn, hard candy, or ice for about two weeks. You may also need some type of pain medication.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect from El Paso dental implants. You will have to give your body time to heal, but as long as you follow the recovery plan given by your dentist, you should get back on track with your oral health in no time.