Have you decided to get a dental implant to replace your missing tooth? That's a great idea, as dental implants are a safe option for replacing missing teeth. However, if this is your first time, you're likely to have many questions about the whole treatment process. Perhaps you're even wondering how you can prepare for the procedure.
Here are four things you can do to ensure your dental implant surgery is a success.
Get a Professional Dental Examination
The first step is undergoing a dental examination to determine if you're a good fit for a dental implant. This assessment may involve x-rays, a visual exam, or a review of your medical records.
The results from the dental exam will also help your dentist develop a treatment plan and timeline. They will discuss the plan with you and what you can expect at each stage. This is also a perfect time to ask questions about your mouth, your teeth, and the dental implant procedure.
Prepare Your Jaw If Necessary
It is possible that your jaw may not be able to anchor the implant properly. Perhaps it's too soft or thin, having missed teeth for an extended period. In such a case, you'll need a bone graft.
Your dentist will get the bone grafting material from another part of the body and use it to rebuild your jawbone. After bone grafting, you may need to wait several months for the bone to develop enough strength before going ahead with the dental implant procedure. However, minor bone grafting may even happen on the actual day of the implant surgery.
Inquire About Sedation Options
Maybe you're feeling anxious about the dental implant surgery. That's normal, considering this is going to be your first experience. There are various sedation options to help you relax during the surgery. Ask your dentist about these options and how they can help you.
Get Ready for Recovery
After the dental implant treatment, you need to recover as soon as possible. Some people are well enough to get back to work the following day, but others need a few days to recover fully. If you're unsure about how you might feel after the surgery, it's a good idea to adjust your schedule to have a few days of rest.
Also, dental professionals recommend a soft food diet after dental implant treatment. Therefore, stock up on some soft foods and drinks so you can relax at home after your appointment without having to rush to the grocery store. On the actual day of surgery, you can have a close friend or family member drive you from the dentist's office so you don't have to worry about driving.
Contact your dentist if you have questions about dental implants.
Share20 April 2022
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!