What You Should Know Before Having Dental Implants

If you have experienced tooth loss, you may find that your confidence and self-esteem are at a low. Thankfully, there are treatments to counter this, such as dental implants or procedures such as an underbite surgery, which may be a good option for not only improving the aesthetic look of your teeth and gums but also helping to maintain your oral hygiene. If you are considering this route, here is what you should know before having dental implants.

Speak to Your Dentist

If you would like to get dental implants, it’s important that you undergo a thorough dental examination first. This may involve X-rays as well as models made from your mouth and teeth. Once your teeth have been evaluated, your dentist will be able to give you the best course of action to decide if dental implants are a good route to go down. There are various lifestyle changes that your dentist may ask you to make before you can have the procedure, such as stopping smoking.

Amount of Implants

If you are missing a lot of teeth, you will naturally need to have more implants fitted. However, the cost will also increase significantly. It’s best to speak to your Dentist in Indialantic about the amount of implants you need. If you have multiple teeth that need to be replaced, it may be worth getting a bridge fitted rather than installing individual dental implants. Your dentist will be able to give you all the information you need on what course of action is right for you.

Create a Treatment Plan

Prior to undergoing surgery, you should speak with your dentist to form a treatment plan outlining your medical record as well as the types of implants you plan to receive. Your dentist will also estimate the promised timeline of the procedures. It’s likely that you will work with a range of specialists throughout the course of receiving your implants, such as your doctor, dentist, and oral surgeon.

Receive a Bone Graft

If you have experienced tooth loss, the bone that is beneath your gum may soften and erode, which can make it harder to attach an implant. In this case, your dental surgeon will need to take away a piece of bone from either another part of your body or jaw that can be transplanted into your jawbone. After you have had a bone graft, it can take numerous months before you are able to get your dental implant.

Aftercare

Regardless of the surgery you have had, it’s likely that you will experience discomfort in the aftermath. Whether it’s bruising or swelling of the gums or your skin, it’s important that you give yourself time off work to rest and recover. If you experience swelling or pain that is getting worse, it’s crucial that you let your oral surgeon know as they may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication.

If you have any worries or concerns about having dental implants, it’s important that you speak to your dentist before undergoing the procedure. Your dentist will be able to provide all the information you need, including the number of implants you need, what the surgery entails, and how best to look after your teeth and gums once the procedure is finished.