Dental Implants in Washington, DC

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

Are You A Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.

Dental Implant Surgery

Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for a dental implant and to place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.

Because implants require surgery performed by your dentist or implant specialist, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the implant dentistry procedure.

Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.

Post Op

1. Please do not consume caffeine the night before or the day of your appointment. The caffeine works against the anesthesia.
2. Numbness to your lip, tongue and palate (roof of your mouth) may persist for several hours.  Do not chew gum, eat or drink hot liquids or smoke until the anesthesia have worn off completely.  This will prevent you from biting you from accidentally biting or burning yourself.
3. Do not spit.
4. Do not smoke.
5. Do not drink through a straw, drink straight from the cup.
6. Keep finger and tongue away from the surgical area.
7. Expect some minor bleeding.
8. Apply pressure and keep gauze on the surgical area for 30-45 minutes.
9. Use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site.
10. Sleep with your head elevated.
11. You will need to be on soft diet (noodles, eggs, applesauce, and pudding).
12. Brush your teeth as normal avoiding the surgical site.
13. To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse gently 3 times a day warm salt water rinses are very helpful.  Clean the area with extra care.
14. It is normal to have discomfort or soreness around the tooth or teeth that have been treated.  The injections sites and jaw joint may be sore, if this happens, apply moist heat to the affected area and take a non-aspirin containing pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or Tylenol-as long as you do not have allergic or medical conditions that prevent using these pain relievers, also an antibiotic with a stronger pain medication may given

For more information on Dental Implants, call The Bonner Dental Network, P.C. in Washington, DC at (202) 249-9131 today!