Dental implants are becoming more popular as people look for solutions for missing teeth.
With a dental implant, your new tooth will be secured in place using an artificial root that fits snugly against your jawbone. It replaces a natural root, which is what supports the structure of your teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial anchors that have been implanted into the jaw. When done properly, these implants are durable and can be integrated with natural teeth.
Dental implants in San Diego, CA, are fixed by drilling into the jawbone, placing a titanium implant anchored into it, and finally attaching it with screws or rods to a temporary anchor made from porcelain or metal.
Dental implants are a fast and effective way to replace missing teeth. They have several benefits like
- A very natural look.
- No need for additional treatments like dental bridges or crowns
- Provide stability to the patient’s teeth, jawbone, and facial tissues.
- Comfortable feeling because they don’t move with normal chewing motions.
What Happens After the Dental Implant Procedure?
After the dental implant is fixed, you will feel some pain and discomfort for about an hour or two. The discomfort can be eased with pain medication and light oral care.
You should also avoid eating hard foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After this period, you should resume eating normally and drinking fluids as usual.
The most common side effects of dental surgery include bleeding gums, redness of the face, swelling in your mouth, bruising on your cheeks, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a dentist near you immediately, as these could lead to more complications.
What Kind of Recovery Time Can Be Expected?
It can take up to 4-6 weeks for dental implants to fully integrate with your natural bone tissue. During this time, it is important to visit the dentist regularly, especially if you notice anything abnormal, including excessive bleeding, swelling, foul discharge, or pain.
After eight weeks, it will be safe to eat soft foods like bread, soups, and yogurt. You should also make sure that you take care of your teeth by doing routine dental check-ups every six months.
How to Handle the Pain of a Dental Implant Procedure?
Despite being a relatively painless procedure, some people may experience discomfort during the dental implant procedure. However, there are some steps you can take for dental implant aftercare and ease the pain.
To make sure that your implant is properly cared for and that it lasts for as long as possible, you should follow these tips:
- Avoid chewing gum or putting anything between your teeth.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an old toothbrush.
- Keep your mouth closed when you sleep, so it doesn’t get dry.
- Be careful not to bite or chew on anything hard like nuts or ice cubes while the implant is healing.
What are the Risks After a Dental Implant Procedure?
The risks of the dental implant procedure are well documented.
Even after doing a dental implant procedure, it is still possible for the risks to occur. Some of these risks include infection, jawbone injury, jawbone fracture, and tooth loss.
The risks that come from a dental implant procedure are generally low compared to other complications that may arise from oral surgery. However, it is crucial to be aware of these risks before undergoing the procedure.
Some of these side effects are temporary and will go away with time. However, some need immediate treatment to avoid long-term complications or even death.
The Importance of Regular Visits During the Dental Implant Healing Period
The healing process for dental implants can be lengthy and challenging, but it is important to visit the dentist every six months to ensure that your implant is flourishing.
Regular visits are vital because they allow dentists to monitor the progress of your implant and spot potential complications. The dentist will be able to help you avoid any damage or problems that could arise.
Learn More About Recovery after a Dental Implant Procedure
People are constantly looking for a better way to care for their teeth. The modern-day dental implant is a great solution to this problem, but sometimes it can cause mouth pain and discomfort.
Visit the Center for Oral Health for more information and tips on how to recover after a dental implant procedure.