If you lose one or more teeth, your oral health could be at risk of further complications. The structure of the remaining teeth, gums, and jaw might deteriorate if you do not seek tooth replacement treatment from your dentist.
You can find comprehensive restorative dental solutions through implant dentistry. Though dental implants serve as ideal replacements for missing teeth, many patients may worry about the lengthy and invasive process of this treatment. Read on to learn details about what you can expect from the recovery after receiving dental implants to feel more at ease about this dental work.
How Long is the Implant Dentistry Process?
Implant dentistry involves a multi-step process. It will require three or more visits to your dentist’s office over the course of several months. You will start with an initial consult to confirm that dental implants are the best way to replace your missing teeth.
Then you will undergo oral surgery to receive titanium post anchors in the jaw. These will take three to six months to heal and fuse with the jawbone. They will serve as strong and stable supports for prosthetic teeth.
You will return to your dentist after this recovery to receive custom prosthetics that will secure to the anchor for restoration that can last a lifetime. You may need to attend follow-up appointments with your dentist to make sure your implants function as they should.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Because implant dentistry involves oral surgery, many patients worry that this treatment will be painful. You can relax knowing that your dentist will prioritize your comfort during each step of this process.
Your dentist gives you a local anesthetic to numb the affected areas before beginning the anchor placement procedure. You can also ask your dentist about sedation options to induce relaxation during this step of the treatment.
You might feel soreness once you return home and the anesthetic wears off. But your dentist will give you aftercare instructions to help you manage discomfort and ease your recovery.
Receiving your prosthetics also will not hurt. It may take some time to get used to the feeling of the implants in your mouth. But you should not feel pain.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are fixed oral appliances, meaning they will remain in your smile without the ability to remove them yourself. The anchors’ fusion with the jawbone ensures stability so that the devices will not slip out of the mouth.
With proper care, your dental implants will stay in your smile for twenty or more years. Continue seeing your dentist for routine check-ups to ensure your oral health remains in good standing and your implants function properly. Practice good oral hygiene at home to keep your smile healthy and best able to support your dental implants.
The durable prosthetics and strong support from the anchors mean that your implants can withstand pressures from chewing and other oral functions. But if you notice any discomfort, tell your dentist as soon as you can.