If you want to find a long-lasting solution that will replace missing teeth, dentists often suggest dental implants. The advantages of durable and secure tooth replacement with implant dentistry might seem clear. But some people worry about the recovery following this multi-step process that includes oral surgery.
These patients might wonder if the lengthy procedure will be worth the hassle. Focusing on the long-term benefits of this restorative treatment can boost your confidence during this dental work.
But you might also feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair if you know more about the healing process after this treatment. Read on to find responses to frequently asked questions about the aftermath of implant dentistry from your dentist.
How Long Is the Implant Dentistry Process?
Implant dentistry will not yield immediate results. This process takes three or more appointments with your dentist to complete. And they occur over the course of several months.
You begin with an initial consult in which a dentist evaluates your oral health, specifically your jawbone structure, to ensure you can support the dental implants. Then you will have oral surgery to place the anchors of the implants in the jaw. The anchors fuse with the jawbone as you heal from this procedure over three or more months.
Then you return to your dentist’s office to receive custom permanent dental prosthetics. These secure to the anchors via abutments at the gumline. The fixtures can last a lifetime with proper care, so make sure you attend dental check-ups and follow-ups as needed.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
A major cause of dental fear comes from the anticipation of pain during dental work. You can relax knowing that your dentist prioritizes your comfort during as well as after the implant dentistry treatment.
The dentist gives you a local anesthetic to numb the affected area before your anchor placement surgery. When you return home and the anesthetic wears off, you might feel sore. But your dentist will provide you with pain management instructions to relieve discomfort.
The placement of the prosthetic teeth also will not hurt. Some patients report slight discomfort as they adjust to the feeling of these devices in the mouth, but this should fade. If you do feel severe pain, this is abnormal, and you should tell your dentist as soon as possible.
What Benefits Can I Expect from Dental Implants?
Dental implants can replace missing teeth, restoring the look, structure, and function of your smile, for twenty years or longer. You can eat, speak, and perform other capabilities normally again. And you do not have to worry about the devices slipping out of place like you would with some removable tooth replacements.
You can see a gorgeous and natural-looking finish with custom prosthetics that fill gaps in your smile. So you can feel proud of the way your teeth look. This tooth replacement solution will prevent further oral health problems caused by tooth loss as well. Learn more by speaking to your dentist today.