If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, you know it can make smiling a challenge. Tooth loss can also impact chewing and speech. Over time, you can even develop oral health complications and further tooth loss.
While there are a few tooth replacement options out there, dental implants remain the gold standard. So, if you’re considering implant dentistry, continue reading to learn more about what to expect at every phase of the journey.
We cover:
- Why Choose Dental Implants in Anderson, SC
- What to Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery
- What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery
- What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
- Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Why Choose Dental Implants in Anderson, SC
Dental implants offer significant benefits not found in other tooth-replacement options. Additionally, they are a lasting solution that doesn’t require ongoing maintenance.
People choose dental implants for the following reasons:
- Jawbone Support: When teeth are lost, the jawbone deteriorates, which leads to a sunken or aged appearance in the lower face.
- Halting Tooth Migration: Tooth loss prompts the remaining teeth to shift into the smile gaps, leading to wear and tear.
- Long-Term Solution: Dental implants can last decades, and even a lifetime, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
- Bite Force Restoration: With dental implants, you can eat your favorite foods again without concern.
- Easy Maintenance: Your dental implants require only the same care you afford your natural teeth.
- Smile Beauty: Dental implants are customized to look natural and beautiful.
What to Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
This is the first step on your journey to a full smile. The evaluation involves you meeting with the dentist for a comprehensive consultation to assess your candidacy. We also want to hear from you and learn more about your long-term smile goals.
Some patients are immediate candidates for implant dentistry. Other patients require pretreatments, such as extractions or bone grafting, to become candidates. In some cases, if you cannot be brought into candidacy, the dentist will explain why and discuss alternatives, such as a dental bridge.
Treatment Planning
If you move ahead with implant dentistry, we carefully plan for implant placement. This involves image-guided technology to aid in precision and your long-term outcome. At this stage, we will likely schedule your necessary pretreatments.
Preparatory Procedures
To prepare for dental implants, you may require specific pretreatments, including but not limited to:
- Bone Grafting
- A Sinus Lift
- Extractions
Now it’s time to book your dental implant surgery.
What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery
Anesthesia and Comfort
The dentist takes measures to ensure your comfort. This includes using powerful local anesthesia to numb the treatment site. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain.
Later in the evening, after anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild discomfort and swelling, but this is easily treatable with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Implant Placement Procedure
Dental implants are titanium posts that serve as replacements for missing tooth roots. This post is implanted into the jawbone, where it integrates over time. You’ll not feel this integration.
After integration, you’re ready for your new tooth or prosthetic.
We offer single dental implants topped with custom crowns or implant-supported prosthetics, such as dentures and bridges. It takes six or fewer implant posts to secure an arch of restoration teeth.
Immediate Post-Op Care
Your dentist provides aftercare instructions that may include soft foods for a few days, temporary smoking cessation, and specific information about rinsing your mouth or taking medications.
Aftercare instructions may vary by patient.
After Dental Implant Surgery
The Healing Process
As mentioned, you may experience minor discomfort and swelling for a few days or up to a week, which you can easily treat with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Though you’ll not experience discomfort, the dental implants are gradually integrating into your jawbone to create a stable underpinning for your new smile.
Follow-Up Visits
Your dentist may schedule a few follow-up visits during your recovery to monitor your healing. If you notice anything unusual between these checkups or have any questions, we urge you to call our dental office for guidance.
Final Restoration Placement
After integration, you come to our dental office for abutment placement and crown/prosthetic placement.
This step marks the end of your dental implant journey. From this point, you can smile with confidence and enjoy your favorite meals again.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Remember, dental implants don’t require added upkeep, but you should treat them like natural teeth!
- Daily Cleaning and Flossing Tips: Brush and floss at least twice daily.
- Importance of Routine Dental Visits: You should visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Implant Protection: Always wear the proper mouthguard during sports and nightguard during sleep if you grind your teeth (bruxism).
Are You Ready to Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation?
Your dental implant dentist in Anderson, SC, wants to help you enjoy a healthy and confident smile. To learn more or to schedule a dental implant consultation, call us today at (864) 226-6278.
We are happy to accept financing through CareCredit.