Dental Implant Process: What Do You Need To Know?

Losing your teeth affects how you interact with people around you as it makes you lose your self-confidence. Through the dental implant process, patients can enjoy the benefits of smiling with a full set of functioning teeth.

What is a dental implant?

These are metal posts or frames made surgically positioned into the jawbone, right under the gums. This replaces the lost tooth, with the metal as the missing root and the prosthetic acts as the crown of the tooth. At Bristol dental clinic, dentists carefully evaluate whether the patient is ready to go through the procedure of having dental implants.

Starting the Dental Implant Process

Regardless if you lose a tooth or lose more than one, the dental implant process remains the same. The patient still has to go through a careful dental evaluation to identify if the treatment suits him.

Preparation and Placement

The patient goes through a complete dental exam, such as X-rays, oral scans, and even teeth cleaning. The Bristol dental clinic dentist anesthetizes the patient before making an incision in the gum. This incision makes way for the metal implant in the jawbone. Screwed on the metal frame, is the post. The dentist will close the incision to allow it to heal.

Recovery and Attachment of the Crown

The healing process may involve some discomfort and swelling. Prescription pain medication or the ones that you can buy over the counter may help reduce the painful sensation. In the meantime, you can consume food that is moist and easy to chew, cold food and warm soups.

Before the attachment of the crown, the incision in the gum will need to heal for two to six months. This gives time for the bone and implant fixture to grow and synchronize.

In the absence of the permanent crown, the dentist gives a temporary crown, to help with chewing and speaking.

After Care

Undergoing the dental implant process needs an aftercare routine. Treat dental implants just like regular teeth. It requires brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash.

Consult with the dentists at Bristol dental clinic if you feel the need for a dental implant.