Dental implants have allowed millions of patients to replace lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that look, work, and feel like real pearly whites. These restorations are incredibly lifelike in part because they are surgically placed in the jaw and fused with its bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. Here’s a brief guide to why this procedure is perfectly safe as well as what your dentist will do to ensure your comfort.
Confirming Your Candidacy during Your Consultation
The process of receiving dental implants always begins with a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, they will evaluate your gums, jaws, and existing teeth to ensure that you can receive these restorations safely. You’ll need to be in good oral health and have sufficient mass in your jawbone for the procedure to be successful. If you have any oral infections like tooth decay or gum disease or thin jawbones, you may be able to become a good candidate later after receiving restorative dental work or bone grafts.
Health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer can complicate the dental implant process, but that doesn’t mean that patients with these conditions are necessarily ineligible for the treatment. During your consultation, be sure to thoroughly and honestly describe your medical history and list of medications so your dentist can plan your procedure accordingly.
The Placement Process Is Perfectly Painless
Your dentist will begin the process of placing your dental implants by administering an appropriate local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, and you may also receive sedation treatments like nitrous oxide if you need extra help remaining calm. Then, they will open your gum tissue and place titanium posts directly into your jawbone. During the procedure, your dentists will monitor your vitals to ensure your wellbeing, and many patients report that receiving dental implants is much more comfortable than having a tooth extracted.
Your mouth will still be numb for a few hours after the procedure, so it’s important to avoid chewing or consuming hot foods or beverages to prevent injury during this period. Depending on the anesthesia and sedation received, you may need a trusted individual to drive you home afterward. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions from your dentist, and following them strictly is the best way to ensure that your recovery remains comfortable and complication-free.
In addition to being incredibly safe, dental implants are 95% successful even after ten years and can last for several decades if they receive excellent care. Replacing your lost teeth can set you up for a lifetime with a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Cambria Smiles offers the most outstanding dental care in town. Led by Drs. Ramandeep Badhan and Frank Fratto, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary courtesy, sincere compassion, and effective treatments. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (805) 927-4811.