06
Sep
Dental Implant Process and Aftercare
If you have missing teeth and are wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants, we can help. At Green Dental Health & Aesthetics in Nashville, Tennessee, our team has years of experience restoring smiles with the help of dental implants. From consultation through post-treatment and aftercare, we are here to help you find a reason to smile again. Implants are a versatile procedure that can help patients missing one or more teeth.
Discovering If You are a Candidate for Dental Implants
Our team can determine whether dental implants are the best treatment for tooth loss. We evaluate multiple factors during the consultation process to determine if this treatment option is the best one to recommend. Some factors we consider include:
- Are there other oral health issues besides tooth loss, such as gum disease?
- Have you successfully worn dentures in the past?
- Do you understand the steps in the treatment process and are willing to commit the time?
- Do you have adequate jawbone density to support the implant successfully?
- Do you have other health conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis?
The Dental Implant Process
Step One: Evaluation and Examination
During this first appointment, Dr. Green will do a physical examination of the teeth and gums, along with imaging such as X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate bone density. After discussing your medical and oral health history, he can determine if dental implants are right for you. A customized treatment plan is developed if we proceed with dental implants.
Step Two: Implant Placement
Provided that no other procedures such as bone or tissue grafts need to be performed, the next step is to place the implant, which is done in minor outpatient surgery. The titanium implant is placed where it will act as a replacement for the missing tooth root.
Step Three: Healing/Oral Surgery Aftercare
Once the implant is in place, the incision will be closed, and healing can begin. It is normal to experience some minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in the days following oral surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
We will provide specific instructions for cleaning the mouth in the days following surgery to ensure that you do not disrupt healing.
Over three to six months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone to create a stable support for the final dental restoration.
Step Three: Abutment and Restoration
Once the area is healed, the dentist can attach a post called an abutment along with the final restoration. For patients missing a single tooth, this will be a dental crown. Dentures will be affixed to the implant for patients missing an entire arch of teeth. All our solutions are made from high-quality dental materials, so they are beautiful and natural-looking.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
With proper oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are the closest restoration to natural teeth and will significantly improve the quality of life with their functionality and appearance. With dental implants, you will be able to eat, talk, and smile with ease.If you are tired of the embarrassment that comes with missing teeth, it’s time to do something about it. Call Green Dental Health & Aesthetics in Nashville today at (615) 383-8213 to schedule your consultation and find out if you are a candidate for the dental implant procedure.