7 Things to Know Before Beginning the Dental Implant Process

Dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement option for most, if not all, dental professionals. From understanding the procedure to knowing what to expect during recovery, here are seven things to know before beginning the dental implant process.

Getting approved for dental implants

The number one thing to know before beginning the dental implant process is that not everyone is an ideal candidate. The oral surgeon will consider factors such as a patient's overall oral health, bone density, and underlying health conditions that need addressing before the procedure begins.

Understand the dental implant process

The dental implant procedure is invasive, involving the oral surgeon making incisions and holes in the gum line and jawbone. They will place artificial tooth roots, the implants, into the jawbone, which then fuses with the bone to provide a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth. This process typically requires multiple appointments and a healing period before placing the final restoration.

Time commitment

The appointments will take over nine months. However, this can vary from patient to patient due to their body's healing ability. From the initial consultation and the evaluations to the surgical placement of the implants and final restoration, patients should prepare themselves and their schedules to visit the office more than the standard twice a year.

Discomfort and pain symptoms

Like with any surgical procedure, dental implant procedures can cause some uncomfortable symptoms during each recovery process. Seeing as creating a hole in the jawbone is necessary, pain and sensitivity are expected. While the oral surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ease these symptoms, they will also provide an extensive list of instructions to help minimize them. These instructions may include dietary restrictions and tobacco cessation.

The healing process

After the first procedure, the insertion of the dental implant, patients will enter into a healing period called osseointegration. This time allows the dental implant to fuse with the surrounding jawbone. From start to finish, the osseointegration process can take several months, allowing adequate time for this integration to occur and ensuring the dental implant's stability and longevity.

Dental implant maintenance

Once the healing process is complete and the restoration is in place, patients will still need to maintain their dental implants. If not properly cared for, patients can experience dental implant failure. This occurs when the body rejects the implant, causing gum recession, pain, bleeding, and possibly infection, resulting in the need to remove the implant altogether.

Potential risks and procedure complications

Although dental implant surgery has a high success rate, especially if patients follow the oral surgeon's instructions diligently, there are potential risks and complications. These may include infection, implant failure, nerve damage, or sinus issues. The oral surgeon will review these potential side effects and best practices to avoid them during the consultation and answer any questions during the process.