All You Need to Know About Dental Implant Planning
What do you need to know about dental implants? How do you prepare and plan for such a procedure? There are a couple of things you will need to know about planning and what to do to avoid potential problems in the future.
Keep in mind that these procedures are not as complex as they may seem, and the technology today is quite impressive. There are so many different ways to make everything a bit simpler and be prepared for the upcoming surgery.
You can also learn more about 3D dental imaging, anesthesia and sedation used in dentistry, how to manage pain, and so on.
What to Know About Implants
Implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth, and there are many different types of implants available today. The choice will mostly depend on the number of missing teeth and there are different materials used.
So, be sure to know as much as you can about the implant position, the treatment plan, and how it can be done. After all, this is a long-term solution and not something you would want to do again.
Of course, you don’t need to replace all the teeth at once, and you can slowly work toward your perfect smile. But your dentist will be able to offer the best possible scenario and provide all the necessary details.
Consider Other Options
Is implant dentistry the best option? Are there other possible ways to solve the problem? The first thing you should always do is talk to your dentist. They will be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for dental implant treatment, do a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, and guide you through the entire process.
They will also examine the implant sites, offer surgical guides, introduce you to implant planning software, and more. Some patients are allergic to certain materials, and the dentist will be able to offer an alternative if that is possible. Of course, all of these bits are important information for both you and your dentist.
Antibiotics Might Be Necessary
There are many patients with suppressed or weak immune systems. And the dentist will have to put them on antibiotics. For those that received an organ transplant or medical implant, using immunosuppressant drugs is still a viable option.
The idea is to prevent the body (and immune system) from attacking your new implant. So, before the procedure starts, you will need to take antibiotics. And these drugs are necessary both before and after the procedure. Naturally, you won’t need to worry about it, and your dentist will provide all the details.
Prepare Yourself for the Procedure
Patients who get general anesthesia must fast for at least twelve hours before the surgery. Getting appropriate clothes and something that won’t affect the procedure is also highly recommended.
Additionally, there are situations where you will need to prepare your body for surgery too. Some need to undergo a couple of procedures before moving to implant therapy, which can be tough.
In the majority of cases, it refers to people who have problems with the jaw. If a bone deteriorates, bone grafting will be necessary to provide a solid structure for the implant. Furthermore, the dentist might need to smooth or even reshape the jaw if there are any problems with it.
And naturally, they will remove any teeth that can be affected during the procedure. Now, this is something that applies to multiple implants. But if you are getting a single one, there is a high chance you won’t need to go through any of these pre-surgery treatments and procedures.
Schedule the Procedure and Prepare for Recovery
Once everything is ready, you can schedule the surgery. And while the procedure is not too long, you should know that it will take a bit for you to recover. Whether you are getting a single implant or several at the same time, your jaw will be under a lot of stress.
You can expect swelling, pain, soreness, and so on. If possible, get a few days off of work, avoid any type of social engagement, and just rest. Talk to your dentist about any medications you might need, and have them ready before the surgery.
The same thing applies to soft foods. Naturally, avoid any type of physical activity, such as exercise and rest. In short, give your body enough time to heal.
Types of Implants
As mentioned before, you can get a single implant or go for multiple at once. There are also implant-supported bridges designed to replace several adjacent teeth at the same time or even implant-retained dentures.
The implant placement is achieved using screws or screw-retained crowns, which are attached directly to the jaw bone. You can also choose different materials. And they are designed to last for years.
Treatments of Other Conditions
One important thing to mention is that implants require you to have a healthy jaw, gums, and teeth. At least the remaining ones. The dentist will first need to address any condition that may affect the process.
We already mentioned bone grafting, and the same thing applies to gum grafts. In the case of receding gums, soft tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth to replace the gums and promote healing.
And only after the process is done and there is a solid basis for the implants can the dentist proceed to the surgery. Preparation, of course, is an important part of the process. You will need to take care of yourself both before and after the surgery, and it is the only way for it to be successful.
And while it might seem like a lot of details, your dentist will provide the necessary information for you and guide you through the entire process. All you need to do is follow their step-by-step guide, and you will be on your feet in no time.
Comfort and Dental Technology in Avondale and Logan Square, IL
If you plan on getting dental implants, and you live in Avondale or Logan Square, the best option is to visit Arbor View. The first thing on the list would be to assess the situation, and 3D dental imaging is a perfect option.
After that, the experienced team in Arbor View will be able to inform you about the severity of the problem and help you plan every step of the way. Finally, you will be able to get dental implants and ensure your teeth remain healthy in the future.
