I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can be an excellent option for those that are needing this type of cosmetic work done to their mouths. However, it is a relatively new procedure that can be rather misunderstood by potential patients. After you have learned the answers to the following couple of routine questions concerning the procedure for getting dental implants, you will find yourself in a far stronger position to make an informed choice for restoring your smile.
How Will Your Mouth Look Between Implant Sessions?
The process for getting these implants will usually require several sessions that are spread out over many months. This is necessary because these implants are installed directly into the jaw, which means the bone will need to fully heal before the process can be completed. Not surprisingly, there are many people that are concerned about what the appearance of their smiles will be during this time.
Fortunately, a temporary crown or bridge can be installed to help ensure that your smile looks great and is fully functional between these sessions. While the lengthy installation process is likely unavoidable, you will not have to suffer the embarrassment of having a compromised smile during this time.
How Do You Clean The Implant Site?
The length of your recovery following these procedures will largely depend on how well you follow your dentist's cleaning and care instructions. As long as bacteria does not infect the surgery site, patients' gums will typically heal very rapidly following this procedure. However, an infection can greatly slow the recovery, and it may increase the chances that the implant is rejected.
Typically, you will be prescribed a special mouthwash that should be used on a regular basis throughout the day. This substance will sanitize your mouth, and you should make sure to use it following each time you brush your teeth or eat. If you have a compromised immune system, you will likely be given antibiotics to help boost your immune system. Regardless of the exact details of the recovery plan prepared by your dentist, you should follow it exactly and notify your dentist if an infection appears to be developing.
Receiving a dental implant can drastically improve your smile, but it is important to understand that receiving this type of dental prosthetic is a highly complicated procedure. Therefore, it is important for you to understand that the implant site can be hidden with a temporary crown or bridge during the healing process and how to clean the surgery site to make sure that you keep the risks of developing complications to a minimum.
For more information, talk with professional dentists, like those at South Florida Dental Arts.
Share14 October 2015
