There are many ways you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether it's dental crowns or porcelain veneers, the dentists at Waterfront Dental will help you find the best solution for your special needs. But, what if you need dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth? What should you expect after the procedure and how can you make the healing process go smoother?
Here's what you need to know.
At Waterfront Dental in Baltimore, Dr. Merguerian will surgically place a dental implant that will replace a missing tooth. Implants serve the same purpose as normal teeth and can prevent receding gums and the loss of bone density.
Dr. Merguerian will perform an oral exam first to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you are, then you can proceed with the operation and a small titanium implant will be placed in your jaw bone.
After the doctor has placed the artificial root, you need to wait for a few months for the area to heal. During this period, your dentist will also ensure that your body has accepted the implant and no complications arise.
You can expect to feel some pain and minor discomfort at the site of the surgery for a few days. Your dentist will most probably prescribe you pain medicine to help you cope with discomfort.
After surgery, it is recommended that you eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where the implant was placed. You should also avoid spicy foods until the dental implant site has healed as they can cause irritation. Your dentist will also recommend against the use of straws as the suction can create damage in the surgical area.
Try to avoid brushing the implant site for a few days to allow the area to heal properly. Eat on the other side so that you prevent bites of food from reaching that area and getting stuck.
Depending on your current state of health, recovery from dental implant surgery can take up to several months. If you need bone or tissue grafts as part of the operation, recovery may take longer. If you want to speed up the recovery process, it is advisable to give up harmful habits like smoking, which has a damaging effect on your oral and general health.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants we welcome you to Waterfront Dental in Baltimore to answer your questions. During your consultation, Dr. Merguerian will determine if you are a good candidate for implants, and present you with all the available options.
Book your appointment with Dr. Merguerian and improve your smile and oral health.
