Dental Implants

*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

In the days following your surgery, minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal. Your dentist will provide personalized instructions on how to handle these side effects: 

• Swelling: Applying ice packs against your cheeks during the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling, discomfort, and bruising. Sleeping with your head elevated can also ease swelling. 
• Pain: Your doctor will probably prescribe pain medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers in combination with prescription meds.
• Bleeding: Your dentist will provide gauze to stop bleeding in your gums. If you notice excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately. 

To help fight infection, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash. Although you should be able to return to work two to three days after surgery, you should avoid strenuous physical activity until you are cleared by your doctor. 

Studies have shown that with proper care and regular visits to your dentist, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Proper oral hygiene is also important, but you should carefully and slowly brush the area around the placement sites to avoid irritating your incisions. This is best done with a soft-bristled toothbrush. During this time, it is important to keep your mouth clean and free from food particles that could become trapped in your gums. To get rid of food particles, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after each meal, taking care to let the water fall out of your mouth rather than forcefully spitting.

Your dentist will prescribe a soft food diet for the first few days. Once you are healed, you will be able to enjoy your favorite foods and a varied diet once again. 

Your stitches will be removed one to two weeks after surgery. 

Once you receive your crown, bridge, or dentures, you should continue to brush twice and floss once per day. You should also make biannual visits to the dentist a priority. Studies have shown that with proper care and regular checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants have a consistently high long-term success rate. However, all surgeries involve some degree of risk. Some risks associated with dental implants include: 

• Implant failure, in which the implant does not properly fuse to the bone tissue or eventually becomes loose
• Infection
• Improper or poorly planned placement resulting in implants disturbing nerves or the sinus membranes

The single most effective way a patient can reduce the risk of dental implant complications is choosing a dentist with the right training, experience, and reputation. 

Choosing the Right Doctor

By spending just a few minutes online, it's easy to learn how long a dentist has been in practice, how they learned to perform implant procedures, and how other patients feel about the quality of their work. 

Meanwhile, a dentist should be willing to spend plenty of time patiently answering your questions and explaining the procedure. Your dentist should also use only high-quality implants and abutments. While more affordable components may save money initially, they may not be as likely to provide long-lasting benefits.

Dental implants are a landmark in restorative dentistry that has allowed millions to stop struggling with unstable dentures and other issues. By choosing to replace your lost teeth with implant-supported restorations, you can expect to be able to speak clearly, eat all the foods you love, and smile with pride.

If you have been suffering with an incomplete smile or dentures that you cannot rely on, it's time to learn how dental implants can make your life better. Book a consultation with a dentist today to find out if dental implants are right for you.