You’ve probably heard about dental implants and how they can transform your smile. There is no doubt that it is a revolutionary dental treatment but you’ll need to be vigilant when choosing the dentist to work with. You’re also likely to have a ton of questions about the dental procedure. One of the most common questions that a lot of people ask is how long it takes to heal after the procedure. In this guide, we’re going to touch everything you’ll need to know about a dental implant procedure.
Why Use Dental Implants
If you have a damaged or missing tooth, implants can be a great replacement. They feel just as natural and it will be hard for anyone to notice. They’re also a better alternative to dentures as you’ll never have to worry about trapped food and having difficulties with chewing and talking. The dental implant procedure is done so as to replace the root of the tooth with metal. A good dentist office like Kessler Dental Associates will ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. Get a dental implant and make a great smile in a day.
Amount of Bone
The amount of bone is key in the success of the treatment and can also determine how fast you heal. The root of your tooth is implanted with a screw. Something similar to what you’d use to hold two things together. Just as with any type of mechanism, there will need to be a latch for the two items to stay together. When you have a loose tooth, there is a chance that the jaw bone will start to shrink. The shrinking will continue the longer you have the loose or missing teeth. That is why it’s important that you’re seeing a dentist as soon as possible.
The dentist will do an x-ray to find out the bone that is remaining in order to determine if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant procedure. This is the main reason why you might not be a good candidate for the procedure.
Smoking
There is a high risk of implant failure if you’re a heavy smoker. It is important that you’re honest with the dentist about your smoking habits to minimize the risks of things going wrong with the dental implant procedure. It takes a lot longer for the mouth to heal if you’re a smoker. It will also not be a good idea to smoke after the procedure because of the constant sucking that is associated with the process. A good dentist will recommend that you quit smoking before such a procedure. You can use the time to trade with healthy habits that will enhance your smile.
General Health
There are some general health issues that will still be ok but there are those that can make healing a little bit difficult. Conditions such as diabetes and HIV should be mentioned and discussed with the practitioner before the treatment. You’ll also need to be aware of the allergies as titanium is the commonly used metal for dental implant procedures.
Dental Implant Treatment Is a Process
You shouldn’t expect the treatment to end with a single visit to the dentist, unless you are going for same-day implants. Depending on your oral health condition, it could take a couple of months before the treatment is complete. The process could start by taking out the tooth before bone grafting is done. It might be required for you to heal before the actual dental implant procedure is done.
Healing will definitely take time regardless of the route you take with the procedure. It will take a while before the bone fuses with the implant. There will be regular dental visits to monitor the progress. It helps if you get a dentist that is committed to your oral health and will make sure that the healing is taking the shortest time possible.
Frequent Checkups is Key
The procedure is a multi-phased process and you’ll be required to go to the dentist frequently so that everything is going according to plan. You don’t want to miss a dental appointment when undergoing a dental implant procedure. Even after you’ve healed, the dentist will need to make sure that the implants are functional and that your oral health is good.
To sum it up, not everyone is going to be a good candidate for dental implants. It might also not be the best solution. That is why you need to get an experienced dentist that will be thorough with the examination before recommending the right treatment. You can learn more about teeth cleaning services and dental implants in Woodbridge through a quick consultation with their dentists.