Planning to get dental implants?
Any form of facial or dental procedure which promises to beautify or enhance your features is exciting. However, the important question you should ask yourself is whether you are ready and, most importantly, how to know if you are.
Your readiness for any procedure depends on the knowledge you have regarding the subject. If it is quite limited, then you shouldn’t be thinking about getting any procedure. Rather, the first step would be to enhance your knowledge.
If you seek important anecdotes that will help your decision regarding dental implants, then you have reached the right place. In this excerpt below, we will discuss some of the basic factors you should consider before going for a dental implant.
These are dentist-certified by the experts at Premier Dentistry and crafted to take care of your pearly smiles.
For Anyone Who Is Confused!
If you are searching for an answer to this query, it is easy to assume that you already know what a dental implant is. However, if you are still confused, here is a simple definition for it.
Dental implants are synthetic teeth or teeth which are surgically placed inside the jawbone. They emulate the exact function of the tooth depending on where you have placed it. For example, if you are getting a dental implant for your canine, then it will mimic a canine’s function.
In some cases, these implants are removable, but in others, they are permanent. This is what scares me most when it comes to the procedure. Any type of permanent change in someone’s body is difficult to accept, especially when changing it all over again might cause some pain and money.
This is why you should prepare for any permanent change before making an appointment. For expert advice and personalized treatment, Sunnyvale Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA, offers comprehensive consultations to help you make the best decision for your dental health.
Preparation! Aka Factors To Consider Beforehand
Here are some of the dentist-suggested factors you should know before getting a dental implant.
Familiarity With The Procedure
Whenever you are going for a foreign dental procedure, getting yourself well-versed is crucial. What is the procedure, and what exactly will the dentist be doing with your oral region is a must. Implants and placing the teeth is a long process, and sometimes, the doctor will place the implant and let it heal before placing the teeth.
Someone who is not familiar with the nitty gritty might be disappointed that they do not have brand-new teeth right after a single procedure.
Pros & Cons Of The Procedure (…Especially The Cons)
Now, dental clinics might showcase the pros of such a procedure in an exaggerated manner. However, knowing the side effects of such a procedure and whether you have the resilience to deal with it is also important.
For example, some of the side effects of such a procedure until you are healed are:
- Swelling and bruising of the jaw.
- Inability to intake solid food for a long time.
- Allergic reaction to the implants.
- Bleeding, &
- Nerve damage if you fail to receive the proper treatment.
Visiting A Dentist Is a Must
The aforementioned side effects are not here to scare you. Rather, this should be a warning to never go for any procedure without getting professional advice. Before even thinking about getting an implant, you should visit the dentist and ask these few questions:
Am I the right person to get a dental implant?
Will my teeth’ structure be able to adjust to the implants, or are there more chances to cause damage?
What are the ingredients used in such a procedure? Should I get an allergen test for these beforehand?
Checking The Conditions Of Your Teeth
After you have visited the dentist, it is important to get an X-ray of your dental structure and find out whether you have the right structure to get a smooth procedure. If not, you have an important decision to make: whether you will be giving up on the idea of implants.
However, maybe this is your time to research a bit more on the procedure. Ensure whether there are other procedures that can prepare you for a better dental implant procedure.
Ensuring You Have Enough Bone Graft
The bone graft of your jaw is where the implant will sit. Therefore, if you do not have enough bone graft, it can lead to nerve damage since the implant will be poking the nerve endings. The implants first settle on the bone graft before the imitation synthetic tooth is placed.
Therefore, doctors will often give a healing time between these two procedures. Thus having an accurate bone graft for the procedure.
Preventing Other Dental Problems
Other dental issues like receding gums, poor dental hygiene, accumulation of plaque, and deteriorating enamel could increase when put under another procedure.
This is why getting a thorough analysis of your oral structure and health will help ease the procedure. If there are underlying issues that can worsen due to the procedure, a dentist will let you know beforehand. Alongside this, they will begin the necessary procedure to help improve overall oral health.
The Cost Of The Procedure
If you are quite convinced that a dental implant is the route you are going for, remember you cannot jump without budget. There are different dental units that will showcase different costs.
Now, it is time to sit and calculate how much you can spend on these procedures. Then, pursue through different brochures and service providers to find the right dentist.
However, remember, going for an excessively cheap consultancy and procedure can cause more harm than whatever you are saving.
The Healing Process
Depending on the instructions from your dentist, the overall healing process can take up to 5-8 months. So, ensure that you are preparing yourself for the healing days. Your daily work won’t be quite smooth when you are unable to do these activities:
- Eat solid food properly.
- Talking too much.
- Taking up a lot of physical activities because the pain medications will weaken your body.
During your time of healing, take help from family members if needed.
Maintenance Is A Must
Simply healing won’t help you forget about the existence of dental implants. Yes, they are quite the maintenance in the first few years at least. To begin with, they are artificially synthetic teeth. Which means they do not have the capability to regain their enamel strength by itself.
If the enamel of the tooth is weakening and you have a permanent implant, you need to visit the doctor once in a while.
- They require a rigorous flossing routine to prevent the accumulation of food particles within the implants.
- Usage of abrasive teeth is under strict prohibition from any dentist.
- Going for deep cleaning once a month is a must.
Choosing The Right Dentist
If you are final about getting this procedure, looking for the right dentist to carry the procedure forward is the most important step.
Here is how you can do it.
Start by researching local implant specialists with proper credentials and experience. Look for memberships in organizations like AAID or ICOI. Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and treatment plan. Ensure they use advanced technology and ask for references or patient testimonials.
Consider the cost and payment options. Good communication, a comfortable rapport, and a clear treatment plan are essential. Seek a second opinion if necessary and prioritize a convenient location. Remember, the right dentist will have the expertise and empathy needed for a successful dental implant procedure.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.