Dr. Ash Sagar 
Tooth loss is never a pleasurable experience. Unfortunately, you do not go around smiling extra wide for the cameras; you may be self-conscious about your smile and lack confidence in social situations. Furthermore, tooth loss has effects that go beyond your smile. There is a risk of compromising your oral health and overall physical well-being.
Dental implant procedures are an excellent option for tooth replacement. They closely match the function of natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with ease once again. At Narre Warren Dental Care, we provide the highest level of patient care to help you achieve the perfect smile you deserve!
Roll up your sleeves, as this blog post will explore the factors that affect dental implant healing; delve deeper for further information so you’ll know what to look for!
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- How Long Does Recovery Time Take for Dental Implants?
- What Factors Can Affect the Healing of Dental Implants?
- Are Dental Implants Worth It?
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
- How to Take Care of Dental Implants While Healing
- How Often Should You Visit the Dentist if You Have Dental Implants?
- Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?
- Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
- Final Thoughts
How Long Does Recovery Time Take for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent technique of tooth replacement that is widely used. While the dental implant procedure includes both surgical and prosthetic components, the surgical component will need time to heal. The healing time for a dental implant is typically four to six months. This allows for complete healing before the crown is set. However, the estimated healing period for placing a dental implant is a complex process that can vary drastically for each patient.
What Factors Can Affect the Healing of Dental Implants?
Let’s take a look at some of the most common factors that can affect the healing of dental implants:
Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your general health and your oral health. As a result, it may also affect the success of your dental implants. To begin, smoking affects the body’s natural healing process, increasing the risk of infection following implant surgery. Furthermore, smoking constricts your blood vessels, which might result in severe bleeding during and after your surgery. Since smoking has a detrimental effect on dental implant insertion, many implant specialists will require you to refrain from smoking for a specified period before your treatment.
Bone mass
Another critical element affecting the outcome of dental implants is the amount of bone density in your jaw. This is because a specific bone type is required for the implant to osseointegrate. After losing one or more teeth, the jawbone begins to weaken gradually. As a result, the longer you go without teeth, the less bone mass your jaw has. Individuals with poor bone mass can still receive dental implants, although they may require additional treatments such as a bone graft. Bone grafting techniques supplement areas of low bone mass with bone material to promote new bone formation. Only a dental implant specialist can determine whether or not a bone graft is necessary before dental implant installation.
Oral hygiene
When it comes to dental implants, oral hygiene is essential. Simply because dental implants are fake teeth, does not mean they are carefree. Indeed, dental implant oral hygiene is identical to that of natural teeth. This means brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and using mouthwash. These behaviours help keep plaque and bacteria under control in your mouth, which helps avoid infection and increases the probability of implant success. On the other hand, poor dental hygiene might result in infection of your implant, resulting in dental implant failure.
Healthy gums
Another key factor affecting the success rate of dental implants is the condition of your gum tissue, which is another reason why oral hygiene is essential. Individuals who now have or previously had gum disease are at a higher risk of acquiring an infection known as peri-implantitis, which is linked to implant failure. As a result, most implant dentists recommend treating gum disease to ensure that no active infection occurs before using dental implants.
Diet
What you consume following dental implant surgery is another critical component in implant success. Following surgery, you will be required to follow a brief soft food diet. Also, you should chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the implant if possible. Consuming soft foods helps avoid applying excessive force to your implant before it has had a chance to recover. Consuming chewy, crunchy, or hard foods, on the other hand, can put excessive stress on a healing implant, causing it to shift in position or rupture.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits why dental implant surgery is an excellent choice for anyone in need of an artificial tooth. Here are the key advantages of dental implants to bear in mind:
Aesthetics: Dental implants may be the best option if you desire an “Instagram-ready” smile. They have the same appearance and feel as conventional teeth.
Bone health: The implant replaces your tooth’s root when you have dental implants. This means that, while bone loss is still possible, it is significantly less likely.
Durability: One of the most important advantages of dental implants is that they are as permanent a solution as you can obtain. Because the implants are linked to your jaw bone, they are pretty secure, and if cared for properly, you can expect them to last as long as your natural teeth. Dentures usually last only five to eight years, so dental implants are an excellent long-term alternative for people seeking a permanent solution.
Practical benefits: Dental implants aren’t simply for people who desire to have a picture-perfect smile. Implants remain in place because the titanium post is bonded to your jaw. This implies that your speech is unaffected, unlike with dentures, and eating is more convenient.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Dental implants are different from dentures and dental bridges, despite all three procedures achieving the same goal of replacing missing teeth in your smile. However, based on the benefits they provide, you can determine which treatment is right for you. To help you understand the differences, we’ve compared and contrasted various aspects of these treatments.
1. Natural Appearance
Dental implants are meticulously manufactured. It guarantees that your permanent fixtures will appear and feel natural, from their location to their colour. On the other hand, dentures and dental bridges are treated similarly to natural teeth, but depending on the material used, they may not match the shade of the rest of your teeth. Additionally, dentures are secured in place solely by an adhesive, which might be problematic if they come loose in a social scenario. It shatters the illusion they set out to create.
2. Oral Health Improvements
When a dental implant or an entire arch is placed in the jawbone, the titanium substance stimulates bone regeneration and the formation of fibers around the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and it can help mend the jawbone while also strengthening it. However, dental bridges or dentures can also close the gaps in your smile. They are only on the surface level and do little to heal the jawbone. This could lead to jawbone depletion, which in turn could lead to even more tooth loss.
3. Freedom to Eat
Dental implants do not impose significant dietary restrictions on patients. You can resume eating whatever you want, but keep in mind that any hard foods may cause damage to your dental implant. Consult your dentist for advice on what to avoid. However, dentures have been demonstrated to have only half the bite strength of a natural set of teeth in studies. This may be inconvenient for some individuals due to preparing their food differently.
4. Longevity and Reliability
Osseointegration is the mechanism by which dental implants can persist for an extended period of time with such reliability. They will never fall out with proper care and maintenance and will last as long as the bones are robust. Talking about dentures and dental bridges, they are not permanent, and as a result, they have a reputation for occasionally falling out during meals or conversations. Dentures and dental bridges must be updated over time due to normal wear and tear.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants While Healing
Getting dental implants can make you feel both excited and nervous. Many people who choose dental implants are glad to eat their favorite foods again and have a beautiful smile. However, it is reasonable to be anxious about the post-operative recovery phase. To make your recovery even faster and easier, here are some tips to help you heal faster after dental implant surgery:
Rest
Rest is one of the best things you can do to help your body repair itself. Your body is telling you to slow down if you start to feel tired or worn down. Listen to your body while recovering from dental implant surgery. Nourishment is slowed by exertion. This is crucial in the days immediately following dental implant surgery. Even when you start to feel better, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and any activities that could increase your risk of being hit in the face, since both of these things can increase the risk of postoperative complications.
Eat soft food
Many people wonder what they can eat after dental implant surgery. Hot or spicy foods should be avoided for 48 hours after surgery because they may cause excessive bleeding or irritation. Then consume only soft meals. You should avoid chewing foods for a few days after surgery since jaw movement can irritate the surgical site. You can progressively reduce your chewing as the incision heals, but always follow your dentist’s dietary recommendations.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is vital, especially after dental implant placement. It helps your body clean out toxins that could otherwise slow your recovery. Proper hydration also keeps you energized and happy. Along with water, you should avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which dry the body. Alcohol may also slow the healing process and should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery, if not longer. Using a straw for drinking is as bad as using one for smoothies and protein shakes.
Use ice packs
Swelling is normal after dental implant surgery. However, some people have more than others. Using an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain is simple and effective. Before applying an ice pack to your face, wrap it in a towel to avoid hurting your skin. Use ice for around 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes before resuming. Ice burns occur when ice packs are left on too long or are not appropriately wrapped.
Saltwater rinse
Saltwater rinses are advised following all oral surgeries. Saltwater rinses not only kill bacteria in the mouth without irritating the incision, but they also soothe. One teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water makes a saltwater rinse. After the salt dissolves, gently swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. As directed by your dentist, saltwater rinses can be used up to four times per day.
Don’t smoke
If you haven’t had oral surgery, you should quit smoking. Smoking after dental implants might significantly reduce your chances of a successful recovery. Smoking limits oxygen flow to your bones and connective tissue. Your body will mend slower without enough oxygen. Smokers have a higher likelihood of implant failure than non-smokers because nicotine and tobacco negatively impair osseointegration. For these reasons, it is advised to stop smoking during your recovery.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Dental implants, unlike natural teeth, require good oral hygiene. Your oral hygiene practice may change slightly as you heal, but you must follow your dentist’s advice to keep your mouth as clean as possible. This will reduce the risk of infection at the surgery site.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist if You Have Dental Implants?
Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Dental implants are preferred over bridges or partial dentures for tooth restoration since they do not generate additional costs. They have a 15-year lifespan, require no special care other than regular brushing and flossing, and do not cause any damage to surrounding natural teeth. Dental implants are generally the most cost-effective alternative when all costs are considered and spaced out over the remainder of your life.
The fundamental reason dental implants are so expensive is that everyone engaged in manufacturing, chipping, placing, and maintaining them requires substantial training and experience. It must be constructed of surgical-grade titanium and traumatically implanted in a healthy spot within sufficient jaw bone. After the implant has healed, a professional laboratory technician will use advanced digital milling equipment to create an implant tooth that will function for many years, if not decades, in your mouth.
The majority of patients seek tooth replacements on a single tooth basis. A dental practitioner considers all of the components necessary to replace that “tooth.” On the other hand, a dental implant tooth is composed of multiple components: a dental fixture (screw), dental abutments and screws (healing and therapeutic), and finally, a porcelain dental crown affixed to the abutment. Thus, the more components, the higher the likelihood of an ill-fitting tooth and the higher the expense of obtaining the proper tooth for your case.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Final Thoughts
Have you lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to infection or injury? Whatever the reason for your missing or severely damaged teeth, you deserve a treatment that looks natural, enables regular chewing and speech, and protects your remaining healthy teeth.
At Narre Warren Dental Care, we have the experience and expertise necessary to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have any additional questions about dental implants or want to learn more about how our staff can assist you in keeping your teeth healthy and strong, don’t hesitate to contact us at 03 8771 403. Come to our office, and you will leave with a gorgeous smile!
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