Dental implants have become a revolutionary and life-changing solution for missing teeth. It offers durability, and functionality, and gives a natural appearance similar to your teeth. However, most people underestimate the long-term care, recovery, cost, and process.
People with missing teeth should consider this treatment. But, those who already decided to go for this have concerns and questions, which is good. Asking “What do I wish knew the things before getting dental implants” is a good approach. It allows you to understand the important factors before the procedure than facing surprises later. This article will address what parents often wish they knew beforehand.
1. Are dental implant are painful?
This is the most asked question because fear of pain restricts patients from getting the treatment. The whole process is done under the influence of anesthesia, so the patient doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort. But, due to the injection, you will be unable to feel that specific area and this is normal. But over time, the effect of anesthesia will drop down and this might give you little discomfort, and swelling along with minor brushing. But don’t worry, these can be easily manageable through medication and icing patches.
What the patient wishes they knew is that post-operative pain is not that severe, even the tooth extraction does not give that much of ick of pain. So, yes the treatment is painful, but only temporarily.
2. Does everyone need bone grafting?
No, not everyone. Those who have issues with bone density or bone loss are required to undergo bone grafting. After an x-ray, the process is considered, because understanding the situation is necessary. The process includes a surgical process, where the surgeon replaces the missing or damaged bone with either the patient’s own bone or synthetic bone material. If your dentist does not recommend bone grafting, then you should not worry about anything.
That is why, bone health matters, and because of the missing teeth for so long can also cause the deterioration of the jawbone. So, if you are still considering whether or not you should go for dental implants, you are risking your bone density. Also, Elite Dental Group can help you resolve your query, because doubting a treatment and understanding every aspect is good, but don’t delay.
3. How much exact time does the whole process take?
This is something that every dental implant patient should know. The stages are divided into several parts, so let’s break down everyone.
- Extraction and bone grafting- if this is required, then the dentist can conduct the tooth extraction process at any time only. The whole process takes around one and a half hours, including the time of anesthesia.
- Implant placement- through a surgical process, a titanium post is placed in the jawbone. The surgery is typically completed within a few hours. And for the healing process, takes 3 to 6 months depending on age and bone density.
- Osseointegration- the implant is fused in the jawbone. This is generally done after 3 months of putting titanium post.
- Abutment placement- after osseointegration, a small metal post is attached to the implant, and this is done after a week. The week is given to the patient so that the area can be healed.
- Final restoration- after weeks of abutment placement, a customized crown is attached to complete the process.
The whole process of the dental implant takes 3 to 9 months to complete because individual healing and situations are different. So before starting the treatment, all patients should know how many stages and months will take to get the actual results.
4. Commitment to hygiene
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they can’t develop cavities like natural teeth, but that doesn’t give you the license to avoid oral hygiene. Your dentist will have to examine the health of your gums and the density of bones prior to performing implants, ensuring that there is a good foundation for the procedure.
While cavities are not a concern, plaque, and tartar can still accumulate around implants, making the patient more susceptible to gum disease and peri-implantitis (an infection that can lead to implant failure). That is why brushing, flossing, and cleaning regularly are still not a choice.
For betterment, it is good to talk to professionals like Elite Dental Group to ensure the health of your teeth.
5. Potential risks linked with dental implants
Although your implants won’t get cavities like your natural teeth, that doesn’t mean they are not susceptible to infection. The tissue and the bone in the affected area can become inflamed and can infected by bacteria.
Even though you have good bone density, the chances of dental implant failure are there. People with smoking and drinking habits have the highest chances of failure. Their ability to heal can hinder osseointegration. Moreover, if you have diabetes, make sure to consult with the dentist to know the possibilities, because diabetes can compromise bone metabolism, and high sugar levels can become a source of food for bacteria.
Important Note:
All who are planning to visit the dentist for dental implant treatment, make sure to read about the process and other aspects. It will give you a little clearance, and also give you confidence to ask questions that might keep popping into your mind. Gaining knowledge will not hurt anyone, but it will definitely give you a path that you know, your dentist might be following. Also make sure to get consultation related to the hygiene, food, and dental products you can use, so that you can heal faster and protect your surgical area from plaque and bacteria.
Final thoughts
Deciding to go for a dental implant is a major decision because it takes time and money, that is why you should know the aspects linked to that. If you are still confused about the dentist, you should visit Elite Dental Group. Their expertise and treatment response are great, and it is helping patients to get a happy smile.
Once you decide on your dentist, make sure to ask questions, so that you know what type of products and stage of treatment is going on. Elite Dental Group believes in expertise and patients’ oral health, so rather than delaying further, book your appointment.