If you are planning to get dental implants for replacing missing teeth, you need to have a clear idea about the way to prepare for it and the way to handle the post-operative phase. Your dental surgeon would be able to help you in understanding the details. Here are a few points that would also be of help in this regard.
Preparing for the surgery:
If your overall health condition as well as your oral health condition is good, you may be a suitable candidate for the operation. A dentist would recommend an X-ray or CT scan to ensure that your jawbone is thick enough to support the teeth implants. This also helps to determine the position of the structures inside your mouth.
Make sure your dentist is aware of the allergies you have and the medication you take to assess your eligibility for the surgery. You are not a suitable candidate for this operation if you have health conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes or if you have undergone chemotherapy. If you smoke, this surgery may not be appropriate for you either.
During the surgery:
The dental implant surgery involves a number of steps. The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic and a cut is made in the gum. You may be given a sedative to aid relaxation. In some cases, dentists may recommend the use of general anaesthesia, which means that you would be asleep during the entire procedure.
Next, the dentist drills a hole in the jawbone for the implant. The implant may be placed immediately; however, in most cases, the area is left to heal before the placement of the artificial teeth root. Your dental surgeon would be able to determine whether an immediate or delayed implant would be suitable for you.
In a single-stage surgery, the implant and the abutment are placed at the same time. You need not wait for another operation for the placing of the abutment that connects the artificial root with the artificial crown. In a two-stage operation, the abutment is attached in a separate surgery only after the bone heals.
Next, the dental surgeon attaches the temporary bridges or partial dentures over the implant site to cover up the gap. In another small surgical procedure, scheduled after three to eight months, the gums are uncovered a little and the artificial dental crowns are attached to the abutment.
Handling the post-operative period:
If you have been under local anaesthetic, it may take several hours before you start to feel anything. It is better to rest for a few hours before leaving the dental clinic. Pain relief medications may be necessary when the effect of the anaesthetic wears off. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection after the surgery.
Proper care of the teeth implants is necessary especially during the first few weeks of the surgery. Regular brushing is important; however, it is essential to avoid the implant site during the first week. Your dentist may recommend the use of an antiseptic mouthwash to ensure oral hygiene.
Author Bio
Daniel Smith is an orthodontic expert. He provides comprehensive guides for understanding the different cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are looking for more details regarding the dental implants surgery or the dental implants cost, he suggests you to visit http://www.oldquarterdental.ie/.
