Dr. Richard Elias III is a reputable Grand Rapids, MI, dental implant dentist. As such, he’d be more than happy to help you explore your options. Whether you’re interested in single-tooth dental implants or getting an entire arch replaced, it’s important that you know what to expect during every step of the process. That way, you can make an informed decision for your smile.
Here are the steps involved in the dental implant procedure.
Scheduling a Dental Implant Consultation
First, we’ll need to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. To qualify, you’ll need to have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implants. However, don’t be too discouraged if you don’t have enough bone density. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a which would give your tooth implants the support they need.
In addition to healthy jawbone tissue, you’ll need a strong immune system before undergoing dental implant surgery. In general, smokers are not ideal candidates for dental implants. This is because smoking inhibits the body’s natural healing ability after surgery.
Related → The Benefits of Dental Implants
During your consultation, our local dental implant dentist will help you explore your tooth replacement options. For example, Dr. Elias may recommend dentures if it’s determined that single-tooth implants aren’t best. It’s important to remember that each patient is different. You won’t know what course of treatment is right for you until you have a one-on-one meeting inside our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office.
Having the Dental Implants Placed
It’s not uncommon for patients to feel a little apprehension toward the idea of oral surgery. You may be surprised to learn, however, that getting a dental implant is not nearly as bad as many people think. In fact, the level of discomfort following surgery can be compared to a tooth extraction or a dental filling. Most of the time, over-the-counter pain relievers will help alleviate any soreness.
You should also feel no pain whatsoever during dental implant placement. Our dentist will have administered a local anesthetic to the area so other than some pressure, you should be quite comfortable. If you notice any severe discomfort while the dental implant is being placed, please don’t hesitate to speak up and we’ll make sure the area is properly numb before continuing.
Healing After Oral Surgery
The integration of a into your jawbone, a process known as , is pivotal for the implant’s stability. This phase can take several months, during which the titanium post fuses with the bone. During this period, it’s important to continue monitoring for any signs of complication.
As your mouth heals, you can begin to reintroduce firmer foods into your diet. It’s important, however, to continue avoiding chewing directly on the implant site until our dentist advises that it’s safe to do so. This gradual return to a normal diet helps prevent undue stress on the healing implant.
Regular dental check-ups are also essential during the osseointegration phase. These visits allow our dentist to ensure that the implant is integrating properly and that the surrounding gum tissue remains healthy. Consistent monitoring by a professional helps in identifying and addressing any issues early, ensuring you enjoy long-term success after replacing teeth with dental implants.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at Home
After the placement of dental implants, it’s just as important as ever to continue practicing good oral hygiene at home. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. Doing this will help remove plaque from your teeth and gums so you can maintain good oral health.
In general, your dental implants will last longer when you take good care of your smile.
Contact Our Office to Get Started
Our dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients. To schedule a dental implant consultation, please call (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
