For comprehensive restoration of your smile after tooth loss, a dentist will recommend tooth replacement with dental implants. Though you can see long-lasting and secure benefits from this treatment, some people worry about recovering from this multi-step oral surgery. They may wonder if the lengthy and invasive process will be worth the hassle.
To boost confidence in this procedure, you should focus on the long-term advantages of this treatment. You can also feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair when you know more about this treatment option and what you can expect from the recovery. Read on to see responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions regarding the aftermath of the implant dentistry process.
How Long Does Implant Dentistry Take?
You will not see instant results with implant dentistry. The process involves three or more appointments with your dentist over the course of several months.
You first attend an initial consult with your dentist to affirm your eligibility for dental implants and ensure you know what will occur during your tooth replacement treatment. Then you have oral surgery where the dentist inserts anchors for the implants into your jaw. The procedure lasts one to two hours per implant and will take six to eight months to recover as the anchors fuse with the bone in the jaw.
After this, you return to your dentist’s office to receive your prosthetic teeth attached to the anchors. At the conclusion of this process, the implants will last a lifetime, though you should see your dentist for any follow-up or check-up appointments.
Does the Dental Implant Process Hurt?
Many cases of dental anxiety stem from the anticipation of pain during treatment and recovery. You can relax knowing that your dentist prioritizes your comfort during dental implant treatment.
You receive a local anesthetic to numb the affected area before your surgery to place the anchors of the implant. When you return home and the anesthetic wears off, you might feel sore. But your dentist will give you aftercare instructions to manage any pain you may feel.
The placement of prosthetic teeth after this recovery does not hurt either. It might take some time to get used to the feeling of implants in your mouth. But they will not hurt. If they do, this could mean the implants are failing, in which case you should call your dentist for urgent intervention.
What Benefits Will Dental Implants Provide?
Dental implants will last for twenty years or longer with proper care of your fixtures and oral health. They fit securely in the mouth, allowing you to perform oral functions normally again. And you will not have to worry about the devices slipping out of place.
You can feel confident in the look of your smile too, as the custom dental prosthetics will appear both beautiful and natural in your mouth. The implants will prevent further deterioration of your oral health too that missing teeth may cause. Schedule a consultation to learn more about what dental implants can do for your smile.