At the office of Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL, we understand how hard it is to feel confident when you’re missing one or more teeth. We also understand the other ways your life is adversely affected by missing teeth, such as difficulty chewing and pronouncing words. That’s why we proudly offer implant dentistry. If you think replacing missing teeth would benefit you, read on to discover whether you will probably qualify for dental implants.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Implant Dentistry?
You will probably be considered a good candidate for dental implants if you are missing one or more of your teeth. However, there are many factors we must consider before making a final determination on your candidacy. For example, we need to consider your medical history because you may not achieve a great outcome if, for example, you have had radiation to your jaws.
Your lifestyle also needs to be discussed before we can advise you on whether you qualify for dental implants. If you can’t avoid drinking alcohol or smoking before and after your implants are placed, you won’t qualify. Moreover, we need a clear picture of your current health. If you suffer from cancer, uncontrolled gum disease, or poorly controlled diabetes, implant dentistry may not be right for you.
How Should You Prepare for Getting Dental Implants?
During your evaluation, we will advise you on all of the preparation steps that you must take before your dental implant procedure. If your jawbone is too soft or brittle to support an implant, you will need to get a jawbone graft before you can get a dental implant. Depending on the type of anesthesia you receive before surgery, you may need to fast and dry fast for several hours before your operation.
Regardless of your unique case, though, there are some universal guidelines that must be adhered to. For instance, you may not consume alcohol or products containing nicotine. Furthermore, you must arrange for a ride home after your procedure and plan to not drive for at least 24 hours post-op.
How Should You Prepare for Your Recovery?
Arranging for a ride home is only one of several steps you must take to prepare for your recovery. You should also schedule two days off from work after your procedure so you can rest as much as possible. Furthermore, you should ensure you can make plenty of food that will be easy for you to eat during your recovery, like:
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Pudding
- Milkshakes
For the first day or two after getting your dental implant, you should stick to a diet of cool or cold liquid food. After that, you can expand your diet to include warm, soft food, like eggs and potatoes.
What Should You Wear to Your Appointment?
When you come in for your dental implant surgery, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are free from buttons. You should not wear jewelry or makeup. If you come in wearing cosmetics or jewelry, it must be removed before your procedure begins.
How Long Will the Results of Your Procedure Last?
If you practice proper oral hygiene, the implant screw placed during your procedure should last a lifetime. However, you may need to replace your crown or crowns every 10 to 15 years. Several factors affect how long your crowns will last, including how well you care for your oral health and what the crown is made of.
How Can You Extend the Useful Life of Your Crown?
One step you can take to help your crown last as long as possible is to stop grinding your teeth. If you can’t stop grinding your teeth, you should get a night guard to wear every time you go to sleep.
How Long Does Getting a Dental Implant Take?
We will advise you on how long your implant dentistry session will take during your evaluation. If you do not need a jawbone graft to qualify for dental implants, you should anticipate needing an hour or two for each implant that needs to be placed. If your jawbone strength or density is currently poor, you will need to get a jawbone graft and then wait a few months to recover fully from your bone graft before you can get your dental implants.
What Recovery Guidelines Must Be Followed After Getting Dental Implants?
One of the most important rules to follow after getting dental implants is to not drink through a straw. Sucking can dislodge blood clots, and it is vital that you protect your blood clots. Additionally, you need to avoid exercising for at least a week after getting your dental implants. Moreover, you must take a full course of antibiotics after your procedure and take your analgesics as prescribed.
Should I Brush My Teeth After My Implants Are Placed?
After your dental implant surgery, you can brush and floss your teeth around the implant sites very carefully. However, you may not rinse your mouth out with mouthwash. The day after your implants are placed, it is okay to use a warm, sterile saline solution to rinse your mouth out gently. It will be several days post-op before you can brush your operated areas.
How Long Does Implant Dentistry Recovery Take?
It can take several months for your dental implant to fuse with your jawbone completely. However, you should start feeling well just a few days after surgery. It is only out of an abundance of caution that you need to refrain from physical exertion for a week post-op.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
Most people who are missing at least one tooth will be considered a good candidate for implant dentistry, but there are exceptions. For example, smokers, alcoholics, and people not willing to refrain from alcohol and tobacco use will be considered poor candidates. Also, such medical conditions as diabetes and gum disease may disqualify you. To find out if you qualify, schedule an evaluation at the office of Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL.
