Dental Implants: Before and After Treatment
There are many options to replace missing teeth, but dental implants are widely considered the best tooth-replacement option on the market.
If you’re wondering what to expect from dental implants before and after treatment, then keep reading. Our experienced Redwood City, CA, dentist, Jean E. Barthman, will tell you everything you need to know from start to finish.
Before Dental Implant Treatment
Patients who are considering dental implants can schedule a consultation with Dr. Barthman. She will thoroughly examine each patient’s mouth to verify their candidacy for the implant process. Factors that can affect patient candidacy include:
- Oral health standing
- Jaw bone density
- Certain medical conditions and medications
- Alcohol and tobacco use
The success of dental implants is heavily dependent upon a patient’s jaw bone density. In some cases, patients may need a bone graft to restore sufficient bone density before proceeding with dental implant surgery.
Patients must have good oral health before undergoing oral surgery. Therefore, Dr. Barthman will treat any cavities or gum disease before starting the implant process.
Patients should disclose their medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits to Dr. Barthman at their consultation. Transparency about these factors ensures patient safety and implant success.
During Dental Implant Treatment
After Dr. Barthman verifies a patient’s candidacy, she will refer them to a trusted and qualified oral surgeon to place the dental implant. Patients undergoing dental implant surgery will be given various numbing and sedative options for maximum comfort.
Following implant surgery, patients will need to fully heal before Dr. Barthman can place a natural looking tooth restoration on the implant. The healing process may take up to six months to ensure that the bone and implant properly fuse together, a process known as osseointegration.
After Dental Implant Treatment
While patients are healing, they should be taking special care of their implants. Dr. Barthman encourages patients to:
- Carefully follow their oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions
- Eat soft foods for a few days following implantation
- Avoid behaviors that might damage the implant, such as nail-biting
- Continue gently brushing twice daily and flossing once daily
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infections
Once the implant is fully healed, patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Barthman to get a lifelike, custom-made restoration. Some patients may need a single tooth restoration, such as a dental crown. Other patients may require a dental bridge or dentures.
Regardless, Dr. Barthman and her team will consider each patient’s smile goals while carefully crafting their personalized restoration. The result is a complete and functional smile that patients can confidently enjoy for over a decade with the proper care.
Contact Us about Dental Implants
Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of over 95%, making them a safe and effective option for most patients. If you’re ready to discuss your candidacy with Dr. Barthman, then schedule your consultation now. New and existing patients can reach our Redwood City, CA office by calling 650-367-4967 or requesting an appointment online here.