If you are dealing with significant dental trauma or tooth loss, dental implants are a permanent solution that can help restore your smile. The gaps created from missing teeth can also impact speaking and chewing abilities. Many patients enjoy the natural-looking and durable results that implants can offer over replacement options like a resin-retained bridge, a partial denture, or a complete removable denture. However, it is important to care for this type of dental work properly to ensure a better outcome.
Traditional implants require multiple surgeries that allow the tissues to heal and the jaw bone to properly fuse between steps. However, some patients may be candidates for same-day implants. Whether you schedule a single procedure or multiple appointments, most patients can expect the same general type of recovery.
Though the entire process for implant restoration could take as little as six months to complete, there are some options for attaching an artificial tooth in one day. Considering the discomfort from the procedure, it is a good idea for another person to attend the procedure and drive the patient home. It is safe to plan on spending at least two hours at the dental office. Speak to a dental specialist about a more accurate estimate for the procedure.
For the first few days after receiving dental implants, patients will likely experience mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Some light bleeding and minor bruising may occur as well but should clear up within a few days. Patients should be careful to follow the dentist's recommendations for pain medication and can use cold compresses to help keep swelling under control.
For the first few days after the procedure, it is important to be gentle with your teeth and gums as they recover. Eating hard, tough, or crunchy foods can be painful and may cause the stitches to pull, resulting in even more discomfort. A soft-food diet is recommended until the discomfort and swelling subside. Gradually reintroducing other foods can help prevent unnecessary pain or damage.
For the area to heal properly and thoroughly, a clot has to form at the incision site. However, spitting, rinsing, or drinking through a straw can create pressure in the mouth and loosen the clot or prevent it from forming altogether. Dentists recommend avoiding these practices for the first 24 hours after a dental implants procedure.
Implant failure could occur if too much pressure is put on the implant or if an infection develops at the sight of the implant or in the gums. Failure can occur within a few months or over a year later, leading to the potential removal and replacement of the implant.
The first 24 to 48 hours after this treatment require the most specific care. After a day or two, many patients find they feel able to return to normal activities. However, it can take many weeks for the soft tissues to heal completely. It is important to continue to care for dental implants to promote faster healing while preventing complications.
Brushing and flossing are essential, especially around an implant. Use a soft nylon toothbrush and avoid using abrasive toothpaste or mouthwashes. There are several types of flosses designed for use with implants to make flossing easier. Cleaning may look different for the first few weeks after surgery, but once the area has healed enough, patients should resume regular dental care. It is also essential to keep up with follow-up appointments and regular checkups.
In general, patients do not need to make major dietary changes for dental implants. It is wise to avoid or limit extremely hard foods as these can damage the tooth cap. Smoking and tobacco use can increase the chances of implant failure and should be avoided. Chewing on foreign objects or teeth-grinding can also be harmful to implants.
Dental implants are a great option for restoring lost or severely damaged teeth. There is a decreased risk of losing jaw bone density or experiencing problems with eating or speaking when implants replace missing teeth. This restorative solution is convenient and durable, presenting individuals with a reliable option for addressing multiple aspects of oral health. With the proper care both immediately after the procedure and long-term, patients can enjoy the benefits of this type of treatment for a lifetime.
Request an appointment here: https://www.danieldentistry.com or call Daniel Dentistry at (305) 677-0042 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Miami, FL.
Even with healthy oral habits, you can find yourself in need of dental restoration. Tooth colored fillings allow dentists to provide their patients with more aesthetically pleasing results. Here are some details on using this option to repair dental cavities.Many modern patients want teeth to look natural when laughing or smiling. This is why tooth…
Tooth colored fillings are used to fill in holes in the teeth caused by decay. Professionals mold the fillings out of composite resin. Once the dentist cleans the tooth's cavity, the dentist fills and closes off the hole with the filling. The fillings match a patient's natural teeth to ensure a normal-looking smile. Composite resin…
The popularity of tooth-colored fillings keeps increasing among patients with cavities, as well as their dentists. In the past, they were only performed on the front teeth that were more visible. Today, it is possible, and increasingly common, for patients to have fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth in the back teeth as…
If you need one or more teeth filled, composite fillings are a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. Before you make your decision, you may want to talk to your dentist about any questions you have.These are some of the more frequently asked questions about composite fillings.Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin consisting of…