A Dentist’s Guide on Dental Implant Procedure and Recovery

A dental implant is a surgical procedure where a patient gets tooth restoration by replacing the old and damaged teeth with artificial tooth roots. A patient seeks a dental implant after losing teeth, which is a common experience in many people, caused by various reasons. Tooth loss can make you lose confidence when talking or smiling. That is why your dental implants in Jupiter provider at SEDA Dental advises a patient to seek medical help immediately after noticing any unusual signs with your teeth. This is because delayed treatment can lead to more severe effects and other secondary health problems.

When you go for a dental implant, you will have your teeth replaced, and you will get the stability to eat any food you like. This process also stimulates and helps you maintain your jaw bone, preventing tooth loss and supporting facial features. 

Causes of Tooth Loss

Here are the common causes of tooth loss. 

• Gum disease ( gingivitis)
• Dental caries
• Tooth decay 
• Pregnancy
• Tooth injury
• Root canal failure  
• Periodontal disease 

A dental examination is vital in preventing tooth loss.

Dental Examination 

The first thing you need to do when you lose your teeth is to consult a professional dentist to establish the cause. During the consultation, your dentist will do a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, jaw, and gum and assess receding gums, bone volume, cavities, and enamel erosion.

Once the dentist examines your condition, you may need to undergo an X-ray and a computer tomography scan (CT scans). This will help the dentist know if your bone density and quantity are sufficient for the dental implant and where to place it. If you do not have adequate bone tissue, you will need to undergo small diameter implants. 

After the examination, your dentist can advise you on a treatment plan, the best dental oral care, and personal habits that you need to follow to maintain healthy teeth. Ensure you stay committed to your dentist’s instructions to avoid the reoccurrence of dental problems. 

Preparing for Treatment

Before you get a dental implant, your dentist will help you manage some underlying oral health issues that can make the implant less effective. For instance, the dentist will first deal with decay and gum disease and advise you to stop smoking. Your dentist can only proceed with the surgery once your mouth is healthy enough. 

Dental Implant Procedure 

After several appointments with your dentist, the dental procedure occurs once your mouth is healthy to support the treatment. Before the procedure starts, you will go on local anesthesia to prevent you from feeling pain and discomfort. The dentist will make an incision in your gum and place the artificial tooth root into the missing tooth and cover the affected area. 

The Recovery Process 

People heal differently, and after the treatment, you may experience bleeding, pain, and swelling. This is normal, and you will need to go home and come back for a checkup, according to your dentist’s advice. This can take a few months to allow the bone to grow, and this process is called osseointegration. 

Early tooth treatment is crucial in preventing tooth loss. If you discover unusual signs in your mouth, ensure you see a dentist immediately. Delay in treatment can cause severe dental damage and root canal infections.