Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but there are some things you should know before and after getting them. Here are some recommendations to help ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.
Overview of dental implants
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed in your jawbone to support replacement teeth. They are a great option for people who have lost teeth due to injury, gum disease, or other conditions.
Aside from helping to restore missing or damaged teeth, dental implants also offer various benefits.
Some of their benefits include:
- Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they pose a near-permanent solution.
- Improved speech: Utilizing poor-fitting dentures, false teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants provide structure and allow you to speak without worrying that your teeth will slip.
- Improved comfort: Since dental implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide unparalleled stability for your teeth. This can be a huge relief if you’ve struggled with loose, uncomfortable dentures.
- Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, so you can eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Improved oral health. Unlike bridgework, dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. Since individual implants are placed in separate incisions, more of your natural teeth can be preserved.
What to do before getting dental implants
Here are a few things you should do before getting dental implants
- Schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon or prosthodontist. Your dental implant dentist will evaluate your mouth, jawbone, and overall health to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, they will develop a treatment plan tailored just for you.
- Get a thorough dental exam and cleaning. This is an important step in ensuring that your mouth is healthy enough for surgery. Your dentist will also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth, which will be used to plan the placement of your implants.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of implant failure and can slow down healing after surgery. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least two weeks before your implant surgery, and ideally, for the years ahead!
Things to eat before dental implants
It’s important to eat a healthy diet before your surgery to promote healing. Your body needs specific vitamins and minerals, like calcium and vitamin C, to recover properly. Foods that are high in these nutrients include:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Citrus fruits
- Fish
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts
What to expect after dental implants?
After your surgery, you can expect some discomfort and swelling. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You may also have some bruising on your face or gums. These side effects will usually go away within a week or two.
However, if you have any questions or concerns, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to give you more specific instructions on what to do regarding the entire process.
What to do after dental implants
- Get plenty of rest. After your surgery, it’s important to give your body time to heal. You may need pain medication for a few days after surgery, so be sure to have someone else drive you home from the dentist’s office.
- Clean your mouth gently. You’ll need to clean your teeth carefully to avoid dislodging your implants- but be gentle! Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid flossing near your implants for the first few weeks.
- Be careful with your mouth. Avoid activities that could cause trauma to your mouth, like playing contact sports or biting your nails.
- See your dentist regularly. Even though dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, it’s still important to see your dentist or oral surgeon regularly to make sure your implants are healing properly. They will also clean your teeth and check for signs of infection that might hamper the healing of your implants.
Things to eat after dental implants
Once the anesthesia has worn off and you’re feeling more comfortable, you can start eating soft foods. Stick to things that are easy to chew and swallow, like soup, pudding, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate your healing mouth.
After a few days, you can start adding more solid foods to your diet with caution. Avoid chewing directly on your implants or biting your nails, as this could cause the implant to fail.
Bottomline
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth and give you a beautiful, healthy smile. However, it’s important to take care of your mouth before and after surgery to ensure a successful outcome.
Nonetheless, if you’re considering dental implants, ensure you consult with an experienced dentist. They will be able to give you more specific instructions on what to do before and after your implant surgery.