Dental Implant Surgery
First things first, what is dental implant surgery? Dental Implant Surgery is a procedure that dentists and surgeons use to replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth.
In the past, such teeth replacements were done with either bridges or dental dentures. Today, thanks to advancement in technology, dental implants are the ideal solution for lacking teeth. Good news is, these implants look just like our natural teeth. In fact, they are hard and almost impossible to identify from natural teeth.
Aesthetically speaking, we all deserve a beautiful and healthy smile even if it means getting dental surgery. Before tackling the dental implant surgery procedure, here is what you need to know. Dental implant surgery is for you if at all you;
• Want to improve speech
• Want good dental health and oral hygiene
• Have missing teeth
• Are not able to wear dentures
• Want to boost your self-esteem
• Want to reclaim your smile and beauty
Now, here is what happens during surgery;
Step 1 – Your dentist will come up with an individual treatment plan that will be adhered to; for you and only you. This is because different patients need different kinds of treatment depending on their degree of damage.
Step 2 – The second step consists of surgically burying the dental implant (which is meant to replace the tooth root) underneath the gum. By so doing, the implant is well protected during the healing stage which takes up to 12 weeks to heal.
Step 3– As soon as the gum is healed and after the implant is joined to the jawbone, an abutment is attached to securely hold the teeth in place. In dentistry, abutments are more of connecting elements. Once the abutment is secure, a replacement tooth (crown) is then attached in place.
The overall success rate of dental implant surgery according to different dental professional is over 90%. This is in terms of long term success rates in all dental implant patients. Moreover, your dentist should be able to give you sound advice and adequate information in regard to your treatment option.
Dental Implants after Care
After a successful dental implant surgery, you must take care of your wound. Bleeding and swelling is normal in the first 24 hours after the procedure. To ease your pain, take some prescribed pain medication and lie down.
On the day of surgery, take soft foods and liquids. Drink plenty of water or any other drink of choice and avoid very hot foods or drinks.
Finally and most importantly, good oral hygiene plays a major role in the overall healing process. Your dentist might prescribe an oral rinse for you. If not, warm salty water is also a good oral rinse. Rinse well and spit out maybe two or three times a day. When the surgical areas are healed, brush gently until you are sure that you are completely healed.
