Dental implants are a versatile and unique treatment option that helps restore teeth and bite functionality on a deeper level than other tooth replacement options such as dental bridges and dentures. This is because they act as a tooth root for replacement teeth and protect against bone loss.
Since dental implants are fitted deeply into the jaw, they look and feel just like real teeth, resulting in a confident smile, enabling you to socialise without worrying that people will notice your smile gaps. They do require dental implant surgery, however, to place them into the jaw and this can cause people to feel anxious or worried.
How to set yourself up for the best tooth implant experience?
If you’re interested in having dental implants there are several steps you can take to ensure a successful procedure and many ways to help keep them healthy and stable once you’ve undergone dental implant surgery.
Let’s start by discussing the importance of choosing the right dentist.
Dental implant treatment is not that simple
Dental implants are highly engineered devices and even replacing a single tooth requires extensive planning to ensure that not only does it look aesthetically pleasing but also delivers optimal functionality.
Tooth implants are not a one-size-fits-all treatment and each patient’s case will be different. We can’t underestimate the importance of choosing a dentist that has good all-around knowledge of tooth implants, uses the latest technology, techniques and high-quality reputable implants and, more importantly, places them regularly.
So do your research and ask your dentist about their experience in dental implants, the training they have, and how many implants they have placed. Any dentist worth his or her salt will be happy to divulge this information. If he or she seems reluctant to answer your questions then move on to another dentist. Choosing the right dentist is paramount to ensuring your tooth implant experience is a positive one.
Dental implant treatment could involve several procedures
While some patients are fortunate to have a dental implant placed and restored without needing any additional treatments, you may not be one of them. Some patients need tooth extractions, gum disease therapy and bone grafting procedures before they can undergo dental implant surgery.
You need to choose a dentist that has training and experience in these procedures so they can ensure your mouth is properly prepared and healthy to achieve the best possible outcome.
Precision is critical for successful dental implants
Some patients mistakenly think that the only planning needed is for the day of the dental implant surgery. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Proper planning commences from the start and includes:
- Assessment of your dental and medical history
- A thorough oral examination
- X-rays and 3D CBTC scans (3D cone beam computer technology) to evaluate the underlying bone structure, surrounding soft tissues and nerve pathways
In cases where a whole arch of teeth is being restored, precision in planning and surgery is critical to the outcome and the long term success of both the implants and the prosthesis. Your chosen dentist needs to routinely complete these phases of treatment.
So, now you know the importance of choosing the right dentist for your dental implant treatment let’s look at the things you can implement yourself to help ensure your tooth implant experience is a positive one.
Follow all post dental implant surgery instructions
Following post-surgery instructions issued by your dentist or oral surgeon is a vital part of ensuring dental implant success. These instructions have been created by an experienced dental team with years of training and education and help to ensure your aftercare proceeds efficiently and smoothly. Failing to follow these instructions could cause infection, swelling, increased pain and even implant failure.
Put your feet up
The tooth implant experience isn’t just about getting through dental implant surgery, it’s also about rest and relaxation following the procedure. Overdoing things could cause bleeding, swelling and other problems while your implant is healing. It’s best to put your feet up, relax and limit activities for the first couple of days after surgery.
Take medications as prescribed
While you may feel better within a day or so, you must finish any prescribed medications such as antibiotics. This will reduce the chance of infection or other problems as your mouth heals from the surgery.
Drink lots of water
It’s essential to drink plenty of water following surgery as hydrated tissues heal faster and have a better chance of staying healthy. Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
Avoid smoking
Smoking slows down healing and in some cases, your dental implants may not integrate properly with the jawbone or the process (osseointegration) may not even occur.
Smoking also places a patient more at risk of gum disease, tooth infection, oral cancer, and dental implant failure further down the line which is why it’s important not to smoke following dental implant surgery, better still – if you can give up smoking altogether that’s a real bonus.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Gum disease is the number one reason that dental implants fail so it’s up to you to maintain good oral hygiene not just before and during dental implant surgery, but for life. This consists of brushing twice a day and flossing once as well as attending regular dental check-ups and cleans with your dentist/hygienist.
Choose the right dentist and follow the above tips, and hopefully, you will enjoy a successful tooth implant experience.
We’re confident that we’re the right dentist, so why not schedule a dental implant consultation with a No Gaps Dental clinic of your choice to see if implants are the right treatment for you.
We’re doing all we can to prevent infection from Covid-19 and to keep our dental clinics clean and safe for patients and staff. We’re committed to following strict sanitisation and hygiene protocols by using hand sanitiser throughout clinics both for patient and staff. cleaning all surfaces between patients and practising social distancing. We ask that patients use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving our clinics.
Call us now on (02) 8806 0227 for a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.