Dentists in Phoenix, AZ Explain What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants

Tooth loss can detract from your smile. It disrupts the function and appearance of your smile. Losing a single tooth or multiple teeth causes dysfunction. Located strong>in Phoenix, Arizona, the team at Biltmore Dental Center offers dental implants as permanent options to replace missing teeth and improve your quality of life.

Dental implants are small cylinders placed into the jaw to replace missing teeth. They are designed to mimic the natural structure of the tooth. The implant itself replaces and mimics the root. It stimulates and maintains the health of the bone. An abutment attaches to the implant and sits above the gums. The abutment connects the implant with a restoration such as a crown. Topped with a crown, the implant looks and acts as a natural tooth. Once the entire tooth has been replaced with a dental implant and restoration, bone health is restored, natural fullness returns to the face, and the smile is restored.

What to Expect After Dental Implants

The dental implant process requires more than one visit. The implants are precisely positioned in place of the missing tooth or teeth. The area is given time to heal as the bone and gums integrate around the implant. For dental implants to succeed, osseointegration must occur. This is when the implant fuses with the tissues of the mouth. This process takes a few months but creates the foundation for a secure dental restoration. Osseointegration is crucial to ensure the implant functions as a natural tooth root.

Immediately after the implant procedure, patients may notice discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. This is to be expected. Swelling and discomfort may be managed with ice or cold packs and over-the-counter painkillers. Do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid rinsing, spitting, and touching the area on the day of the procedure. Remember, this is considered oral surgery and someone was working in your mouth. Side effects will subside as the treatment site heals.

The inside of the mouth will be tender. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the implant. Avoid spicy foods that may irritate the mouth until sufficient healing has occurred. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding straws so there is no suction to disrupt the surgical site. Good oral habits are still important. Follow your dentist’s instructions on how to gently cleanse the treatment site.

Caring for Your Implants

Compared to other dental restorations for tooth replacement, implants are a more permanent solution to replace missing teeth and restore the smile. Implants are secured in the jaw making them stable replacements. They are not subject to decay and do not put pressure on the adjacent teeth. Dental implants provide oral and overall health benefits by mimicking the tooth root and keeping the jawbone healthy. Implants are long-lasting tooth replacements. They rarely fail due to rejection or functionality problems. Patients can rest assured their dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but especially patients with dental restorations. Following good oral habits helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria. For patients getting dental implants, it is important to minimize bacteria in the mouth prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of additional bacteria or infections. The healthier your mouth is to start, the better the outcome.

After the dental implant has been placed and the bone and gums have healed around the implant, positive oral health habits help ensure the longevity of your restoration. Your dentist may provide you with instructions to care for your implant. Helpful tips for oral care may include:

• Avoid abrasive products
• Brush with a low fluoride toothpaste
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush
• Floss with dental floss designed for dental implants
• Use oral irrigators for hard to reach areas

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Implants can last a lifetime with proper oral health habits and regular visits to the dentist. This tooth replacement option prevents bone resorption. The function and aesthetic benefits of implants provide long-term smile restoration.

If you need options to replace missing teeth, consider dental implants. Let the team at Biltmore Dental Center protect the health and beauty of your smile. We keep Phoenix smiling. Call 602-704-0659.