The process of getting dental implants is a series of smaller procedures that takes place over several appointments or several months. Some steps of preparation involve taking care of the physical body to respond appropriately to these procedures, and other steps are taken by the oral health professionals responsible for the treatment. The steps are simple to follow, and knowing what to expect can make it easier to prepare for implants.
The process of getting implants involves a number of factors. It is important to adhere to any specific requirements or steps outlined by the provider in charge of the treatment, but this is a basic overview of possible preparation steps.
Though a patient may wish for dental implants, it is a dentist who may ultimately determine if the patient is a good candidate for the process. A thorough examination of the mouth, the use of dental X-rays, and a review of medical records will inform a dentist if the patient has the physical and oral health necessary to sustain treatment. The plan for moving forward with implants will be unique to a patient, as will be the steps to prepare for each step of the process.
Some patients receive a prescription for antibiotics prior to the implant procedure. This is generally done for patients who deal with chronic conditions or who have received immunosuppressant medications to prevent the body from attacking or rejecting the implants. Always follow the course of medication completely.
The body needs to prepare for the surgical procedure, and part of this is fasting for at least 12 hours before the procedure is done. It is also important to get plenty of rest and be mentally prepared for the process. Take time to purchase plenty of nutritional drinks, soups, and soft foods so there will be plenty available in the days following the recovery period. It takes several weeks of eating soft foods to let the implants heal and settle, but it could take longer if a bone graft is required to help anchor the implants.
If there is not enough jawbone to support an implant, the dentist may perform a bone graft. If the jaw is too big, some of the bone may be removed. The jaw may also be reshaped or smoothed to prepare for the implant.
It may be wise to plan for a day of rest following the implant procedure, as the mouth may be sore. Things like eating, talking, or sitting up could be uncomfortable for a day or two. Move things around the schedule or plan for a lighter day to give the body time to recover. Discomfort and soreness are to be expected, as well as some bleeding and swelling, and it is often easier to address these at home.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Huntsville, AL
Careful preparation for dental implants can make the procedure and recovery go smoothly. Talk to a dentist about the specific steps needed to fully prepare for an implant procedure.
Request an appointment or call Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
If you are missing one or more permanent teeth, dental implants may be an option for replacing them. Placing the implants requires an operation, and not everyone is a candidate for the surgery. Your dentist can discuss the criteria you must meet to be eligible. If you do not meet the criteria now, it may…
The teeth are an essential part of the human body, which is why so many people turn to dental implants. Without enough teeth, it is harder for people to bite into and chew their food and harder to enunciate certain words when speaking. When many teeth are missing, the shape of the face will change,…
If you have one or more missing teeth or dentures that move around on you, you might want to consider dental implants. Essentially, implants are man-made devices that act as anchors for various forms of artificial teeth. They can be a great way to restore both your smile and your confidence. Here are some important…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…