If you are going to be having dental implants put in to replace some missing teeth then you should prepare yourself with knowledge. You want to feel fully informed about the process, the recovery and the outcome. Reading the most commonly asked questions and answers here will give you more insight into what you can expect to deal with when and if you decide to go through with dental implants.
How long will it be before the entire implant process is complete?
Each patient will have their own unique experience with regards to how quickly they heal from each step and can move on to the next. They will also experience varying levels of pain that will depend on their own pain tolerance, how well the procedure goes and whether or not they have any other factors to consider. It will also depend on the dentist's schedule, as well as your own.
How many steps are there in the entire process?
You can generally look at going through at least three steps when it comes to having dental implants put in. However, this can also differ depending on other considerations. For example, if you don't have the proper bone density for implants then the dentist may have you go through another process that involves grafts to correct the bone density issue. Or, you may be in the beginning stages of gum disease. If this is the case, then this situation will need to be completely treated before you can even begin the process for implants.
What is the healing process like?
Considering that having an implant put in will consist of a post being put under your gum and fused to bone, you can expect to have some pain to deal with. However, you can also feel relief in the fact that the dentist will make sure they give you something to help with the pain. You will also be given antibiotics to help prevent the possibility of infection. This is done as a precaution since your mouth is naturally a germy environment and you will now have an open wound that will be exposed to those germs.
It's very important for you to be sure you follow the dentists instructions to the letter regarding when you take your medication and how you go about caring for your implants during the healing process, as well as after the process is complete. Click here to find out more about your options.