What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small threaded posts that replace missing tooth roots. Most dental implants are titanium, but some are ceramic. Both of these materials are safe and biocompatible (friendly to the tissues inside your mouth).
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A surgeon places a dental implant in your jaw during an oral surgery procedure. Once the implant has healed, your dentist can place a crown on top. Depending on your oral health goals, your dentist may restore your implants with crowns, bridges or dentures.
Who May Need Dental Implants?
People with one or more missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. You may need a dental implant if you have lost teeth for the following reasons:
- Caries (tooth decay)
- Tooth root fracture
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding of teeth)
- Gum disease
- Facial injury
- Congenitally missing teeth (you were born without certain teeth)
How Should I Prepare for Dental Implants?
Before the dental implant procedure, you should do the following:
- Give your dentist an up-to-date list of medications and supplements you are taking. It is important to tell your dentist if you are taking blood thinners. Your dentist, in coordination with your primary care provider, will decide if you need to stop taking any medications before your implant procedure.
- Make sure you see your primary care provider soon for a check-up and blood work to make sure there are no conditions that could interfere with implant success.
- Talk to your dentist about sedation options. Most surgeons offer sedative medications that help you relax during your dental implant surgery.
What Happens After Dental Implant Placement?
Your surgeon will give you a detailed list of postoperative instructions. They will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of pain and discomfort:
- Take all medicines exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
- Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 72 hours (increased heart rate can cause increased pain and swelling).
- Chew on the other side of your mouth. (If you have implants on both sides, eat soft foods for a few days and then add other foods as your comfort level allows).
- Brush and floss every day.
- Clean the implant site as directed by your surgeon.
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