Dental implants are sometimes necessary when you lose teeth. Dental implants give you teeth the look and feel of teeth you have lost. Implants also function in the same way as regular teeth and are hard to detect after they've been properly installed.
Before you get dental implants, there is a period of preparation. If you have been worried about what to expect, here's a closer look at what happens before you get your implants.
A Thorough Dental Examination
A dental examination is often necessary before your dentist will do implants. Your dentist will use this time to gather information about the state of your dental health. There will be x-rays as well as a normal visual examination so that your dentist can determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Antibiotic Treatments
Antibiotic treatments are sometimes given before you have a dental implant. Since dental implants are foreign objects, the body may try to attack them and reject them. The antibiotics are used to help your immune system so that your dental implants will be well received by your body.
Jaw Preparation
There are instances when your jaw is not ready for an implant. This is because it may not have enough structure to provide an anchor for implants. In cases like these, your dentist may do a bone graft on your jaw so that the implant will hold firmly. If your jaw is carrying a lot of bone your dentist may remove some of it so that the implant will rest comfortably in your jaw.
The Day Before Implants
Before you have your implants installed by your dentist, you will need to fast for a few hours. This is because you will be given anesthesia and it is not recommended that you eat as you may regurgitate your food during the procedure. Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing so that you can feel as relaxed as possible during the procedure.
You'll be able to go home after the procedure, but you need to make sure that someone is there to drive you home once the procedure is finished. Make sure that you have a lot of soft foods available at home and take your pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Some soreness is normal, but if you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to contact your dentist since it may be that you are developing an infection and need medication.
For more information about dental implants, talk to a dentist in your area.
Up until a year ago, I did my best to keep my teeth and gums clean. But after securing a new job, I began to work late into the night and didn't have the time or energy to brush and floss before I retired to bed. My busy schedule and poor dental hygiene finally affected my teeth and gums. After experiencing severe pain in several of my teeth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist examined my mouth and discovered three large cavities in my molars. After four long weeks, my dentist finally completed my dental work. I learned a very painful lesson during that time. No matter how busy you are, always brush and floss. I started this blog to inform other people about the importance of good dental care. I hope you find the time to read it. Thanks for visiting.