All You Need to Know About Dental Implants

If you have a missing tooth, your dentist may advise you to get a dental implant. A dental implant is a surgical component that is attached to the jaw to support a crown or denture. The article below discusses how to prepare and care for your dental implants. 

Preparation Tips

Consultation

Inform your dentist about any long-term illness during the consultation. For example, your dentist will need to be extra careful if you have diabetes. If you have high blood pressure, you must follow your medication. Otherwise, the implant may take a long time to heal.  

Bone grafting

People with weak jaws require a bone graft before getting dental implants. During grafting, the dentist plants bone grafting material into your jawbone. The material blends with your jawbone to form a firm surface for dental implant installation. You may have to wait a few months before the bone is strong enough to support the implant. 

Fasting

The installation of dental implants is a surgical procedure. Therefore, your dentist may ask you to fast at least 8 hours before the surgery. The anaesthesia used to reduce pain during the procedure relaxes your abdominal muscles. As such, if you have food in your stomach, you could vomit during surgery. 

Pain

You will experience mild to moderate pain as the dentist drills a hole in your jaw. It is vital to be relaxed during the procedure. Ask a close friend or family member to take you to the dental clinic to avoid being anxious. 

After Surgery

Rest

Take a few days off before resuming your normal routine. This gives the wound adequate time to heal. Observe the prescribed medication to reduce post-surgical pain and wound infections.

Diet

Avoid eating hard foods such as nuts, bread and corn during the first three days after surgery. The chewing action can dislodge the implant or cause the wound to swell. Besides, it is difficult to remove food particles lodged on the wound. Preferably, take soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yoghurt and pudding. 

Dental hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day as you recover from the procedure. Use a soft brush to minimise pain during brushing. Your dentist may also advise you to use dental floss or mouthwash to clean your teeth. 

Finally, observe dentist appointments after surgery. This will help the dentist identify complications at an early stage. 

Dental implant surgery helps replace missing teeth. Surgery candidates must be adequately prepared for the procedure. They must also take care of their health after surgery.