Roughly about 500,000 people every year get dental implants to improve not only their smile but their oral health as well.
While you may know someone who has gotten implants, you might not know much about this surgical procedure other than that it can give you a near-perfect smile. You might be wondering what to expect if you or a loved one were to get dental implants.
If you are thinking about getting serious dental work done or are in need of dental implants, Clayton, NC could be your place to get them.
Here is your complete guide on what to expect before, during, and after you get dental implants.
Are you someone who has suffered from dental problems for much of your life? Are you self-conscious about your teeth? Are you missing teeth? Has your dentist ever brought up the topic of dental implants before?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could potentially be a good recipient of dental implants. If you have lost a tooth or have any dental concerns, ask your dentist at your next visit to ask if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Getting dental implants is a relatively common, yet significant procedure that has several steps. You will first be required to go in for a consultation with the dental specialist. The consultation
This will allow the dentist to confirm that you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Once it has been determined that you are a good case for implants, you will need to have an extraction on every tooth you plan to get a dental implant for. If there is not enough bone present after the extraction, you may need a bone graft.
However, if you do have enough bone present for the dental implant to be placed on, then you will go onto the next step - the implant placement.
During the actual implant placement, you will have an anesthetic, so you will feel nothing during the actual procedure. The dentist will drill a small hole into your gums and attach the titanium implant screw into your jawbone.
There will be an abutment placement next. This is the small connector piece that will attach the crown to the titanium implant.
You will most likely have to wait four months as your mouth heals before needing to go back in to finish the dental implant procedure. During this time, your gum will heal and your bone will fuse to the titanium screw.
When you return to finish the procedure, your dentist will attach crowns over the implants.
Every person's recovery time looks a little different, but there are several things you should expect. After the first round where they extract the tooth and drill in the implant, you will be coming out of the anesthesia. This can leave you feeling groggy and tired for a few hours after surgery.
Your mouth will most likely feel a little sore. Your dentist will recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medication to help ease any mild pain you feel after surgery.
It is recommended for many dental implant patients to eat soft foods or soup during recovery. You want to tread carefully as you heal and not irritate or aggravate your mouth during the healing process.
Your dentist will give you the go-ahead at your post-implant check-up to resume eating your normal foods.
You will need to keep up a regular dental hygiene routine after implants, as they will still be susceptible to types of periodontics disease if not maintained. This includes flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of dental implants. Dental implants can seem expensive at the beginning but should be looked at more as an investment.
Dental implants can cost on average anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. This cost usually covers everything from the extraction to the crown.
Check with your dentist prior to the procedure if they have any payment plans.
You want to do plenty of research before choosing the dental specialist who will perform your dental implant surgery. Look at online reviews of specialists in your area. Ask around with friends, family, and co-workers to see if they know of any good dental implant specialists.
You can also ask your dentist for any referrals if they do not perform dental implant surgery themselves.
As mentioned, some insurance plans can cover dental implants, double-check with your dental insurance policy to find a dentist who covers it.
Dental implants can be an amazing procedure that improves not only your oral health but your self-confidence about your smile. If you suffer from dental issues that can cause you to lose teeth or have recently lost a tooth, a dental implant may be just the procedure for you to look into.
If you live in the Clayton North Carolina area, reach out to us here at Axiom Dentistry. We are a team of experienced dentists, specializing in a wide range of dental services, including dental implants in Clayton, NC.
Visit our website to schedule your appointment and view our current specials for new patients.
