Tips to Prepare for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent way to replace severely decayed or missing teeth. However, the process isn’t one that happens overnight.

At Allure Dental of Hollywood, our experienced dental team offers restorative dental implants to improve your oral health and give you a beautiful smile makeover. Before you get your implants, however, there are some things you must do to prepare.

Here’s what you should know before starting your dental implant journey.

An overview of dental implants

Dental implants involve the surgical placement of a titanium post (artificial tooth root) in your gum where you’re missing a tooth or need to have one extracted. Over time, the post fuses to your jawbone to build a sturdy foundation for a dental crown (artificial tooth).

While there are other options for tooth replacement, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants are often the best solution for most people in terms of function, aesthetics, durability, and oral health. 

Simply put, implants offer convenience and long-lasting results that enhance the health of your jawbone and give you back your dazzling smile.

The dental implant process

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

Part one

Your first step towards a healthier smile is the surgical implantation of the titanium posts. The surgery can cause some mild, temporary discomfort, and you’ll need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.

You can also expect to go through several months of healing time as the posts gradually fuse with your jawbone tissue.

Part two

The second part of the dental implant process is to return to Allure Dental of Hollywood to ensure your gums are fully healed. 

Our dentists use advanced technologies to scan your mouth to get a blueprint of the exact size and shape your artificial tooth should be. We send the scans to a dental lab that makes your crown, or, if you’re replacing a full arch of teeth, your implant-supported dentures.

Part three

When your implants are complete, you come back to the office for your final fitting. We attach the new artificial tooth or teeth to the posts, so you can smile again with confidence.

Preparation tips for dental implants

Patience is key when going the dental implant route. Our team at Allure Dental of Hollywood can discuss the process with you in detail during your initial consultation.

We also provide comprehensive oral health exams to ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants. If you’re not, we can recommend other tooth restoration solutions that might be a better fit.

Other tips you can use to get yourself ready for dental implants include:

1. Practice good oral hygiene

To lower your risk of needing more dental implants, you should continue to take care of your natural teeth by brushing at least twice a day, flossing thoroughly once a day, and keeping up with routine dental cleanings and exams.

2. Plan for downtime in your schedule

After the surgical implantation of the posts is complete, you need time to heal. It’s normal to experience pain and swelling in the days after your surgery. The more rest you get, the more efficiently your body can heal.

Ahead of your surgery, enlist the help of family and friends for childcare and help around the house. You may also need to take a day or two off from work until you feel better.

3. Follow pre-surgery guidelines

To ensure your dental implant surgery goes smoothly, be sure to follow our dentists’ guidelines ahead of your procedure. This may include avoiding smoking in the weeks ahead of your surgery, temporarily stopping certain medications for a few days as directed, and not eating or drinking in the hours leading up to your appointment.

If you’re ready to explore your options for dental implants, call or click online to schedule a consultation at Allure Dental of Hollywood today.