Instead of dentures or bridges, a more permanent teeth replacement option is possible in the form of dental implants.

Teeth may be lost due to aging, teeth decay, trauma or accidents. With dental implants, lost teeth can be replaced and lost confidence can be regained.

Other replacement teeth options are not as permanent as implants. For example, there is the possibility of dentures coming loose or interfering with speech. With implants, you eliminate such issues.

Dental implants procedure

Here is the dental implant procedure in brief.

Initial step

The implant procedure is time consuming as it is a complex dental surgery and requires healing at every step, before moving to the next one. Dental consultations are the very first step, where the dentist will examine the condition of oral and dental health.

If the person uses tobacco, then oral health can be damaged and this can adversely affect the dental implant process. But depending on the damage, dentists can recommend other procedures first in order to improve the baseline oral health.

Using a 3D scan and other specialised tools, dentists will be able to determine if the candidate can go ahead with the procedure.

Preparation for the procedure

After it is confirmed that the candidate can proceed with the treatment, a treatment plan is developed. During this consultation, the patient can clear any doubts and concerns they may have about the procedure.

Impressions of the teeth and jaws are taken next. This gives the dentist information on the nature of the jaws and how the implants can be placed.

Based on the analysis, the dentist may also recommend removing some teeth if it is required. This however, is not needed for all.

If oral health is generally good, then tooth extraction and placing the implant can be combined into a single consultation. But if that is not the case, bone grafting will be required. This process helps provide extra support to the bone structure and also helps to ease the dental implant process for those who have poor oral health.

Implant surgery

For placing the implants, the dentist will cut open the jaw bone, holes are drilled into the jaw and the implants are placed there. This process is done under anaesthesia so there is no pain or discomfort felt. The dental post is placed securely into the jaw bone so that they are stable and can offer good support to the replacement teeth. After the metal post is placed, the jaw bone and surrounding tissues need to heal. The next process will be planned after recovery from the surgery.

After healing, the next process will be placing the abutment. This is the structure on which the replacement tooth will be placed. Some dentists will place the abutment with the first step or in some cases, it will be placed as the next process. This abutment is seen just above the jaw line and the replacement tooth is mounted on it. A replacement tooth can be chosen which matches the natural teeth in colour and shape.

Recovery after the dental implant procedure

The recovery from the dental implant procedure depends on where the implant has been placed. If they are placed on the lower jaw, then healing is much faster than the upper jaw.

It also depends on the number of teeth that were replaced. If multiple teeth were replaced, then it will obviously take more time than a single tooth dental implant.

If the oral hygiene is not top-notch then there will be a delay in the healing process.

Healing time is also connected with the bone graft procedure. If grafting was done to give support to the implant procedure, then that will also increase the healing time.

After the implant procedure, when the effect of anaesthesia wears off, you will feel pain and discomfort. There will also be a small amount of bleeding, but this will stop after 2-3 days. However, if the bleeding is severe and is causing more pain, then seek advice from your dentist.

Swelling will be seen around the cheeks and neck, which will subside soon. Placing an ice pack in that area will help bring comfort. Medicines will be given by the dentists to ease the pain and infection possibility after the surgery.

Care after the procedure

Healing and recovery are dependent on the quality of care after the surgery.

Right after the surgery, it is important to take care of the food that is consumed. For about 3 weeks after surgery, soft food should be taken. This will help in not putting pressure on the jaws and teeth in the area where surgery was done. Smoothies, pureed food, soups etc. are all great food choices during this time.

At the site of surgery, there will be a clot formation for healing. Consuming carbonated drinks should be avoided during this time as this will dislodge the clot. Smoking and drinking should also be stopped at this time as this will work against healing and also increase chances of infection especially at the site of surgery.

It is important that cleaning of teeth and mouth is done thoroughly. Improper cleaning will leave food particles in the mouth and attract bacterial action. This can trigger infection and affect the healing process.

While brushing, use a soft bristled brush. Take care not to brush the area of surgery but also to clean it softly at the same time.

If you take the necessary steps to ensure proper after care, then healing from the dental implant procedure is faster and easier.

Paying attention to the healing process, not disturbing the area of surgery, and maintaining proper oral hygiene are important. Check with the dentist whenever there is some discomfort and pain.

Give it some time and care and your dental implant will feel like your own natural tooth in no time.