Find out more about what to expect before you get a dental implant.
Dental implants are an ideal option for many patients suffering from tooth loss. However, getting dental implants is a rather involved process that includes multiple surgeries over the course of a few months. Before your treatment can start, you will need to prepare yourself for the process.
Evaluation: During your initial consultation your Bolingbrook dentist will complete a full dental examination with X-rays and impressions to see if dental implants are right for your smile. From there, we will sit down and create a treatment plan that will take into account other issues you may have, like multiple missing teeth, or a weak jawbone.
During the evaluation, it’s important to talk to your dentist about any medical conditions you have or medications you are taking, from vitamins to over-the-counter or prescriptions. Furthermore, if you have a heart condition it’s important to tell your Bolingbrook dentist before your procedure, as antibiotics may need to be prescribed before your surgery.
Before surgery: Talk to your dentist about any special precautions you might need to take that are dependent on the anesthesia you've opted for. Ask about whether you can eat or drink prior to your surgery. If you've opted for general anesthesia, someone else will need to drive you home. Furthermore, you should expect to spend that whole day after surgery recovering and resting.
Other things to consider before you start the dental implant process:
Expect multiple dental visits: Unlike other tooth loss replacement options, getting a dental implant takes multiple procedures and several visits. Therefore, it’s important to prepare yourself for at least two surgeries and four dental visits (not including the follow-up visits after you get your implant).
Expect the process to take months: Since multiple procedures are required, it’s just as important that we give your mouth time to heal properly between each surgery. While a lot will depend on how quickly your mouth heals, expect this to take several months or even up to a year to complete.
If you are interested in finding out whether dental implants are right for you, then schedule a consultation today with Bolingbrook Dental Care.