If you have missing teeth, you are likely looking for an effective way to replace your teeth and restore your oral health and overall quality of life. At Naples Dental Arts Center, we provide our patients with dental implants in Naples as an excellent, permanent, and effective option for replacing missing teeth. Read on to learn all you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are thought to be the best option for tooth replacement because they are the only restoration that mimics both the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Dental implants are made of three parts:
1. A titanium implant post- this is surgically inserted into your jawbone by a qualified oral surgeon and works to replace the tooth root.
2. An abutment- this is placed over the implant post and acts as a connective piece.
3. A custom-designed dental crown- this is attached to the abutment and works to replace your actual missing tooth. It is custom-created to match your natural teeth, so the restoration looks completely natural in your smile.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
If you are receiving dental implants near you, the process will take several months to complete. The process will begin with an oral surgeon surgically placing the implant post into your jawbone while you are under a general or local anesthetic. Once the post is inserted, it will take several months for it to heal and fuse to your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration.
Once you have healed completely, the abutment and custom-made dental crown will be placed over the implant post, completing the restoration process.
Preparing for Your Dental Implant Surgery
The idea of getting any form of surgery can be nerve-wracking for any individual, but there are a few things you can do to prepare for your surgery and ease your nerves before moving forward with the procedure:
#1 Ask Questions
The more you know about what to expect for your procedure, the more prepared and confident you will feel about your choice. Typically, dental implant procedures are very successful and present minimal complications, so having some extra reassurance from a dentist near you will help keep you calm.
Your dentist can answer any specific questions that you may have about your mouth, teeth, or underlying health conditions.
#2 Prepare for Your Recovery
If you know that you have prepared for a successful recovery before you begin your surgery, you will feel more relaxed going into your procedure. Ensure that you stock your fridge with soft snacks and meals, find a family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment, and prepare a list of TV shows to binge-watch as you recover.
#3 Treat Yourself Before Your Appointment
Since you will likely need to limit your diet to soft foods for a while after getting dental implant surgery, treat yourself to a gourmet meal of your choice before your procedure. Just ensure that you check in with your dentist in Naples, as sometimes you will need to fast for a set amount of time before your procedure, such as in the case where you will be undergoing general anesthesia.
Is Healing Painful?
It is normal to experience some pain and tenderness in your mouth and gums for the first few days following your procedure. Most of the time, this discomfort is very manageable, and your surgeon will provide you with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers to keep your pain to a minimum. In many cases, patients don’t even need to take these medications because their discomfort is so minimal.
You will need to stick to a soft-food diet while your mouth heals, eating things such as rice, yogurt, and soft cheeses. Additionally, it is important to continue to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing each morning and evening and flossing every night. Just be careful to avoid the area where the implant post has been inserted.
If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or discharge coming from your implant site, visit your dentist for a checkup to ensure that you have not developed any complications such as an infection.
Typically, the osseointegration process takes about six months, but this does not mean six months of pain. This period simply refers to the process of the implant post fusing to your jawbone. The food and hygiene recommendations are not put in place primarily to prevent pain but to allow your implants to fuse correctly with your jawbone and prevent complications. You should not feel any pain after the first week or so of getting a dental implant placed.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
While the process of getting dental implants is a long one, the time is well worth it. Dental implants provide several benefits, such as:
- Stimulating the jawbone to prevent shrinkage and deterioration
- A long-lasting, natural-looking restoration
- Restoring the appearance and function of your smile
- Providing a strong bite force
- Minimal aftercare required
- Preventing teeth from shifting and causing bite misalignment
While other, less invasive, and cheaper options are available for tooth replacement, dental implants should be considered a long-term investment in your oral health and well-being. Once placed, dental implants become a permanent part of your anatomy, making them almost impossible to break or malfunction.
Interested in Dental Implants?
Now that you know all you need to know about dental implants and how they can enhance your quality of life, you may be interested in getting them. At Naples Dental Arts Center, our dentist near you is happy to provide you with a comprehensive oral examination to determine if you are a good candidate for this innovative restorative dentistry treatment.
Our friendly and dedicated staff are conveniently located near North Naples, Pelican Bay, and Park Shore and are here to assist you with all your dental needs. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to book your appointment today! We look forward to helping you along your smile transformation journey.
