Tips to Prepare for Dental Implant Treatment

15 May Tips to Prepare for Dental Implant Treatment

Patients can replace lost teeth by numerous methods. One of the most natural ways to restore your appearance and functionality is with dental implants.

When thinking about the best way to replace lost teeth, there are several primary considerations. Most patients have the main goal of restoring aesthetics, but being able to eat an unrestricted diet along with eliminating any side effects that will impact their speech are important concerns.

A consultation with the implant dentist will be very informative. There will be two major factors your dentist will discuss and consider … your overall health and the status of your dental health. Patients that are healthy enough to undergo tooth extractions are generally considered healthy enough for dental transplants. 

But what about your oral health? What qualifications make you a good candidate for dental implants?

1. Commitment – The dental implant process is lengthy. The patient must be dedicated to keeping the implant area clean to prevent infection, a primary cause for implant failure. This means daily flossing and brushing along with agreeing to keep all appointments with your dental provider coupled with following any instructions issued by your dentist.
2. Tobacco use – Patients that either smoke or chew tobacco will be asked to discontinue this habit as any kind of tobacco use is another threat to implant success.
3. X-rays and extensive dental preparation – The amount of bone structure where tooth loss has occurred is very important to the success of a dental implant. If there is insufficient bone, this does not automatically disqualify the patient. There are steps available that can promote bone growth.

Once all qualifications are met, and the patient and dentist have decided to pursue dental implants, the process is well defined – depending on how many teeth are being replaced, the patients will undergo one or multiple implant placements. The patient may supplant one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch … this will dictate how many implants are placed.

In the next few months, the patient will keep the implant area pristine to safeguard against infection. During the healing process (approximately four to six months), the jaw bone will grow to incorporate the implant as part of the permanent dental anatomy.

A final restoration will cover the implant completing treatment providing the return of both functionality and aesthetics that will last a lifetime.

Our implant team at The Dental Place can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.  Call today to schedule an appointment.