Been considering tooth replacement? Here’s what to know before your dental implant consultation

We can’t possibly sum up dental implants in just one blog post. These small titanium screws have transformed tooth restoration, improving stability, appearance, and function. If you’ve been considering implants, learning more will help you discover whether they’re right for your needs. While the process is more involved than other restorative options, you reap the rewards – for many patients, implants last for life.

What to Know Before Dental Implants

• The implant process takes time – Implants must be surgically placed in your jaw. This means making an incision in your gum line and embedding the implant in your jaw bone. As with any surgical procedure, you’ll need to get plenty of rest after placement. You will have special care instructions for your implants, and need to be especially careful when eating so that you don’t jostle the implants while they heal. In the months after placement, your implants will gradually integrate with your jaw bone, forming a connection with the osseous tissue. In order for implants to succeed, you will need to perform proper cleaning and schedule follow-up appointments throughout this period.
• Implants provide a different patient experience – Implants may take some time to heal, but once they’re in place, they stay with you – and they don’t let you down. Implants make it simpler for patients to chew, speak, smile, and live their daily lives, even if they’ve paired the implants with full dentures. The restorations will remain anchored to the jaw, and patients gain confidence and assuredness knowing that they’ll never slip or feel loose. Implants lead to an entirely new experience, and help those with missing teeth feel like they’ve gotten back their old smiles.
• Implants are cost-effective – While the upfront cost may seem like a lot, you’re then set with your implants for decades. Your accompanying restorations are also likely to last longer than without implants because they’re held firmly in place and there’s no risk of decay with the implant (as opposed to adjacent teeth involved in a tooth-supported bridge).
• You may need preparatory procedures before implant placement – If it’s been some time since tooth loss, it may be necessary to receive a bone graft, periodontal treatment, or fillings to heal your mouth and prepare it for implants. We’ll walk you through your treatment plan before getting started.
• Commitment is key – You need to be committed to keeping the surgical area clean, both during healing and afterwards. Your restorations should be brushed and flossed just like the rest of your teeth. Keep an eye on the area, stay vigilant, and schedule an appointment if anything ever seems like it’s changing. And schedule routine exams so that we can monitor your implants and help ensure their success.

We’d love to help you talk through your implant thoughts. Just get in touch with any questions you have.

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