When the time comes to have your dental implant done, there are a few things to consider so that the recovery is as fast and easy as possible. There will be a few weeks between the time the post is placed in the jaw until the crown is placed on top of it. You might not be able to eat solid foods during this time. The dentist might need to graft bone from other areas of the mouth if the jaw bone is too soft or there isn’t enough to support the implant.
The dentist needs to know of any problems that you have before getting a dental implant so that the proper medications are given to relieve pain and fight infections. Health problems in the mouth also need to be addressed as an implant might not be ideal if the jaw has been broken or if there are other teeth in the mouth that are in the same condition as the one that is being replaced. You can talk to a dentist to get questions answered about the implant process and to determine if it’s the best choice for your health. A bridge might be an option, and if there are numerous teeth that need replaced, dentures might be considered.
The dental implant process generally takes an hour or two while in the office. However, the healing process takes a few weeks as the gums need to become receptive to the posts that have been placed. It could take up to six months in order for the implant procedure to be complete.
If you don’t want dental implants, you can consider having the tooth extracted, especially if it’s only one tooth. If more than a few teeth are damaged or unhealthy, then you could consider dentures or a partial. These options will give you the smile that you desire and teeth that function like the natural ones.
Sources:
Dental Implants, Web MD
Dental Implant Options, aaid-implant.org
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