Regardless of the reason for needing to get dental implants, the process works the same way! Implant surgery is a bit more involved that a simple cavity filling or tooth extraction.
The procedure involves extracting your old tooth (if necessary) and inserting a titanium post directly into your jawbone. After the post is secure and settled, a crown is placed on top of it to protect and give you the feeling of having a natural tooth. Depending on your preference, the procedure can be completed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation.
After the post is in implanted, the recovery process can begin. The recovery time varies from patient to patient as your body is generating new bone to fully support the implant, a process called osseointegration. It generally takes a few months (3-6) for the bone to grow enough to support a crown. The first few days after the surgery it is important to keep the area dry and clean and you are likely to experience bleeding and swelling; both are common.
It is recommended that you avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for the first few days after your surgery. You’ll have multiple follow-up appointments after your implant surgery to check in on your recovery and determine the right time to install the permanent crown.
Proper care and maintenance are crucial in order to avoid problems later. Treat your implant like any other tooth in regards to brushing and flossing. You shouldn’t skip doing these things just because it’s an artificial tooth.
If you have any questions about dental implants, call Advanced Dentistry of Collegeville at 610-489-5555.
