Dental Implants Consultation
Our skilled dental surgeons at Cooley Smiles can complete your missing smile with a dental implant procedure.
You are an ideal candidate for dental implants if you have good oral health, have a strong jawbone to support the implants, and are free from gum disease.
This is important since the implants will be attached to soft and hard underlying tissue in your mouth - the gums and bone.
Before Your Treatment
Here are some questions you may have before you book an appointment for a tooth implant:
Do I Need to Take Time Off Work?
It may not be necessary to take time off from work, but if you have never gotten an implant before, take a day or two off just in case. You will be under local anesthesia during the procedure; some people take longer to come out of it than others.
Do I Need Someone with Me?
Getting someone to drive you home from the dentist's office after the procedure would be a good idea. You can be sedated during the process, but if you opt for that, you should have someone with you who can ensure you reach home safely.
What Should I Do for Pain Relief After the Dental Implant Procedure?
After the sedative has worn off post-procedure, you may feel some pain and discomfort. Our dentists can suggest appropriate painkillers, so make sure you tell them if you have any allergies.
What is a Dental Implant
The Dental Implant Process - What to Expect
The process that goes into tooth implants can differ depending on your oral health and the condition of your existing teeth.
However, the traditional method covers two processes separated by three to six months. This is the time patients need to heal.
Here is what a typical dental implant procedure looks like:
Step 1 - The Initial Incision
Our dentist will make a small cut in your gums where the implant is going to be placed. This is the tooth socket that is covered by the gum and where your missing teeth were.
Step 2 - Cutting and Drilling
The dentist will drill into the bone. You won't feel this since you will be under local anesthesia. The metal implant will be placed in the hole left behind, and the incision will be sutured back and allowed to heal.
Step 3 - Healing and Procedure Two
The dentist will ask you to return in three to six months so the incision can heal properly before the final dental implant process. This will include a new cut where the implant is to be placed. A dental crown or collar will be placed on top to protect the implant.
Step 4 - The Healing Cap is Removed
The dentist will ask you to return in a few weeks to remove the healing cap surrounding the gum tissue.
The abutment is placed on the implant to support the final dental crown so it doesn't dislodge when you eat.
Make sure you keep all of your dental appointments for your dental implant to set properly. If you delay between them or aren't careful during the healing period, you can cause an infection.
In that case, your dentist must redo the procedure after treating the underlying issue, which can prolong the procedure.
Dental Implant Aftercare
While you can go about your normal routine post-implant, take the following precautions to ensure the site of the implant heals nicely and without getting infected:
Avoid Hot Drinks and Food
Stick to cold food for a while after your implant, as per your dentist's advice.
The high temperature can strain the implants and burn sensitive, exposed tissue, preventing healing.
Also, try not to touch the spot with your tongue or fingers and stick to soft food until the anesthesia wears off.
Cold food and water will ease the swelling, which is important in the first 24 to 48 hours. Sip and eat slowly so the surgical site isn't disturbed.
Treat Pain With Ice Packs And Painkillers
If your mouth keeps swelling after the procedure, treat it with ice packs. This is normal and will occur in the first two to three days after the procedure.
Take prescribed painkillers before the numbness dissipates. Your dentist may recommend taking the medication regularly at the stated dosage for the first few days after surgery.
Dentists often recommend over-the-counter pain medication for pain relief since it should subside in a few days.
Eat and Drink Carefully
The implant site and dental crown will take some time to settle as your mouth heals.
Avoid eating or drinking anything that causes discomfort, such as spicy food and hot beverages. This will be challenging in the first few days, but make sure you eat plenty of nourishing food and avoid the implant site as you chew.
You must remain hydrated and healthy for the surgical site to heal properly.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Your dentist will advise you to quit smoking for 10 days and drinking alcohol for 48 hours post-implant. If this is not adhered to, the healthy blood clot on the surgical site may dislodge, leading to a longer healing period and possible infections.
Your dentist may recommend other preventive measures to keep your fresh implant healthy and ensure it heals in a timely manner.
A tooth implant or multiple implants has many benefits. They can fill in the gaps in your smile, increase your confidence, and make you healthy once again.
Consult our skilled dentists here at Cooley Smiles. Schedule a consultation today by calling (425) 216-3367!
For more information, visit our Dental Implant FAQ.
