Dental Implant Oral Surgery Procedure – Commonly Asked Questions

Does the idea of getting a dental implant make you nervous? If you are unsure about whether to undergo this procedure, it is helpful to understand every step of the process. Understanding the benefits will also put your mind at ease and help you to see why this cosmetic dentistry treatment makes sense. For a new smile and good oral health, getting implants is a good decision.

Comparison with other tooth-replacement options

If a person loses a tooth, or if the dentist has to extract one, they have a few choices to think about. Aside from a dental implant, the patient may think about getting dentures or partial dentures. Dentures are false teeth on a gum-colored base. It rests on the gums or is attached to implants. Dentures are natural-looking and help the person eat normally, but they can slip and are prone to breaking.

A dental bridge is another possibility for one missing tooth or a few missing teeth. This consists of a crown on either side of the gap with an artificial tooth replacing the missing one. A metal framework holds the bridge together. Bridges are not as durable as implants.

Questions about the dental implant procedure

Getting a dental implant involves multiple invasive surgeries. The first one is where the dentist cuts into the gum and inserts a titanium post into the jawbone. The dentist closes the incision point and then allows the patient to heal. Over the next few months, the post will fuse to the bone to create a solid anchor for the implant.

When the patient comes back to the dentist’s office, the dentist will reopen the gums and attach a smaller piece, called an abutment, to the post. The natural-looking crown will go on the abutment. However, this will not occur for several more weeks while the patient heals more. Once it is time to place the crown, the dentist will ensure that it is the right color and fits properly.

Questions about recovery

The process of getting a dental implant can be a challenging one. The recovery time can last a few weeks after each procedure. To help ease any pain and discomfort, the dentist will prescribe pain medication. The patient should also keep a cold compression pack on the mouth and eat only soft foods.

Questions about maintenance

With the right care and attention, the patient should be able to keep the dental implant in good condition for years to come. Implants can last a person’s lifetime. The patient should be cautious about biting into hard objects. Also, daily brushing is vital. The individual should also have regular visits to the dentist.

The right way to replace teeth

While other teeth-replacement methods can be effective, a dental implant makes sense for missing teeth. The implant is strong and durable. It will restore the full function of your mouth. An implant also revives your beautiful smile. Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your next steps.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Dental Implant in Scottsdale, AZ.