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The Road to a Dental Implant

Missing a tooth or several? A dental implant may be the answer. You want to look your best without missing teeth. Not only an enhancement to eating, an implant looks and feels more natural. Getting dental implants can enable you to continue to eat a healthy diet. It can also improve your self-esteem and appearance.

Moreover, implants are long-lasting. In a study regarding implants, 97.5 percent of single implant dental crowns and 93.6 percent of implant-supported dentures lasted longer than six years. We do implants at Pearlee Dental in Ottawa and want to help you learn more about this option.

Why Choose Implants Over Dentures?

Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. While dentures or a partial denture needs to be removed daily, an implant is treated just like the rest of your teeth. It can be brushed and flossed; you will soon forget that there is an artificial tooth.

Dentures may slip and slide, while an implant is permanently anchored within your jaw. Talking and chewing are easier, as the implant will not move, as will a denture.

Implants look more natural than dentures. The look and feel like your natural teeth. Having an artificial tooth is not as noticible; it appears as a natural-looking tooth.

Some of the advantages of an implant include the following:

  • They are extremely durable and strong
  • They help maintain the jawbone structure
  • They allow for better chewing
  • They last for a long period

What Can Be Attached to a Dental Implant?

A dental implant can be used to secure the following:

  • A partial denture
  • A full denture
  • A single crown
  • A fixed bridge

After the implant becomes integrated with the bone, an abutment is placed on the implant, and the artificial tooth or teeth are then attached. The bone must heal before anything is attached to it, whether a single tooth or a denture.

How Does It Take To Recover From an Implant?

Each person is unique, and the recovery time may vary, depending on whether you need teeth extracted or not and whether bone grafting is recommended. The condition of your jawbone and the type of implant will have an influence on how long it takes to recover. The entire process may take several months. The following steps may be involved with getting an implant:

  • Consultation
  • Impressions
  • Extractions
  • Bone grafting
  • Implant surgery

During the consultation, they will decide if you are a candidate for an implant and whether this procedure is a good option for you. They may do a 3D CT or cone beam CT scan. The dentist will discuss the procedure and recovery at your initial consultation.

If implants are right for you, the next step will be impressions of your jaw and teeth. This might be a week or two after your initial consultation. The dentist will discuss what to expect during implant surgery.

If you need extractions, the dentist will also discuss this with you. Sometimes the implant procedure is done the same day as the extraction. This is not so if you suffer from bone loss and need grafting of bone. Bone grafting may take several months to heal, and your implant will not be done until the area is healed.

Your implant surgery will be scheduled after the bone graft has healed. Otherwise, you may have had that surgery when the tooth was extracted.

How long it takes to heal will depend on the following:

  • How many teeth were extracted
  • If you have healthy bone for adherence
  • If you need bone grafting
  • Your individual health and healing time

Some Tips For Recovery

After your dental implant surgery, there are some tips that will help your healing and put you on a quicker road to recovery.

In the first day of your appointment, you will want to get some rest, taking it easy. If you had a sedative given to you by the dentist, you may still feel drowsy. For this reason, you should not drive and should make arrangements before your appointment to have someone else drive. Avoid strenuous exercise, as this might dislodge the blood clots that the dentist wants to form. Elevate your head when you go to bed.

You may have been given a mouthwash by the dentist. They may tell you to brush the other areas of your teeth as usual. The dentist may recommend rinsing with a salt water rinse.

If there is swelling on your face, which is normal, apply ice to your jaw. Apply ice for 30 minutes, remove for 20 minutes and continue to repeat during the first 24 hours. If your swelling does not lessen during the first few days or if it becomes worse, contact the dentist; there could be an infection.

Try not to disturb the blood clot as your teeth begin to heal. Do not drink from a straw or drink carbonated beverages or alcohol. If you smoke, try to discontinue for a few days. Avoid spitting, as this might dislodge the clot.

Try eating a diet that is soft and cool. It will feel better. Avoid spicy food and those that are tough and chewy. Too hot or too cold is not recommended.

Some options might include the following:

  • Oatmeal (instant or quick)
  • Applesauce
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies (but not through a straw)
  • Soup (lukewarm, not hot)

After you begin to heal, try tuna or shredded chicken to add protein.

Take medication for pain. If you are okay with over-the-counter medicines, they might work fine. The dentist may prescribe a pain reliever that is stronger.

Pay attention to how you are feeling and be on the lookout for fever, swelling or infection. Contact your dentist if there is a problem. Be sure to keep follow-up appointments.

Interested in finding out more about implants and if you are a candidate? We are a natural dentist located at 2948 Baseline Road in Ottawa. Contact us for an appointment to get started. You will soon be on the path to a nicer smile and more comfortable eating.