Tips to Prepare for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold standard in permanently replacing missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or other issues, dental implants are the superior choice for the most natural appearance and worry-free functionality — but they don’t happen overnight. 

The team at Supertooth Dental Group are talented cosmetic and general dentists serving patients in Chevy Chase, Maryland. They offer teeth replacement options at their office, including beautiful and reliable dental implants. 

This smile restoration option is completed through a process our team wants our patients to know about in advance. They explain everything involved and provide you with a treatment timeline during your dental implant consultation. But here are some things you should know in advance to help you prepare for receiving dental implants. 

What happens when I receive my dental implants?

Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent prosthetics that consist of a titanium post (artificial tooth root) in your gum, an abutment, and an artificial tooth crown. Other options for tooth replacement like bridges and dentures are viable solutions for some patients, but dental implants are the best solution for superior function, aesthetics, durability, and oral health. 

Dental implants are typically a three-part process that can take several months to complete.

Surgical implantation of the posts

The first step in your dental implant journey is the surgical implantation of the titanium posts. This can cause some mild, temporary discomfort, but our dental team will consult with you beforehand about pain control and anesthesia for your procedure. You will also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.

After your implant surgery is completed, be prepared to wait several months for the implant site to heal and for the titanium screw to completely fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. 

Evaluation and imaging to prepare your new teeth

The second part of the dental implant process is to return to our office for an evaluation of your gums and oral condition. We can ensure your gums are fully healed and collect imaging that the dental lab uses to create your new replacement teeth or other replacement prosthetics, such as implant-supported dentures. 

You can expect this appointment to last about an hour and the lab typically requires a few weeks to create your new teeth. 

Final fitting for your new teeth

When your implants are complete, you return to our office to have your new implant crowns installed and adjusted for the perfect fit. With your new artificial teeth, you can smile and eat with confidence. 

How can I prepare for my dental implants?

We will discuss this information at length during your consultation, but here are some things you can do now to prepare in advance. 

1. Maintain regular oral hygiene

Take care of your natural teeth by brushing at least twice a day, flossing correctly once a day, and keeping up with routine dental cleanings and exams.

2. Plan for your recovery

After your surgical procedure is complete, allow yourself time to heal. Some pain and swelling are normal, so make sure you get plenty of rest. It’s wise to enlist the help of family and friends for childcare and assistance with household chores. Schedule any time off from work you may need for your recovery. 

3. Follow pre-surgery instructions

To ensure your dental implant surgery goes smoothly, be sure to follow our teams instructions leading up to your procedure. This includes avoiding (or quitting) smoking in the weeks ahead of your surgery, stopping certain medications for a few days, and avoiding food and beverages for several hours leading up to your appointment.

Get ready for your smile makeover

If you’re still considering dental implants for your smile makeover, contact our office to schedule an implant consultation. We can share more about the process for dental implants and other tooth restoration options. Call us today or book your consultation online.