Dental implants provide a highly effective replacement for people who are missing one or more teeth. They can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture, and, when cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Are you preparing to have your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in New Braunfels? If so, learn about what you can expect from the dental implant procedure and recovery from Dr. David Earnest.
What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
The dental implant procedure is divided into phases: placement and restoration. Dr. Earnest performs the entire process at Comal Dental.
Dental implant placement involves opening the gum and placing the dental implant beneath the gumline. The implant, a tiny titanium cylinder, will gradually fuse with the jawbone during a recovery period of approximately 10-12 weeks (depending on the strength and health of the jaw). A temporary tooth replacement may be worn during this time.
Once the dental implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, their restoration begins. Dr. Earnest will remove your temporary tooth replacement, expose each implant and attach a connecting abutment. The prosthetic device is secured on top — and your smile is complete once again. In all, the entire dental implant procedure can be completed in as little as four months in some cases.
What’s the Recovery for Dental Implants?
Following your dental implants placement, you will experience soreness, swelling, and some level of discomfort at the treatment site. Your implant dentist in New Braunfels will prescribe pain medication to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Plan to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days following oral surgery. A soft-foods diet should be maintained until discomfort allows you to resume normal eating habits. Your symptoms should lessen within a week — if bleeding, pain, or swelling persists or worsens, contact your dentist.
How to Care for Dental Implants?
Properly-maintained dental implants can be expected to last the wearer’s lifetime. Make sure you’re keeping up with good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing daily. Keep up with your regular visits to the dentist, and avoid tobacco use for optimal dental implant and oral health.
Implant Placement and Recovery from Comal Dental
Many dental offices must refer patients to an oral surgeon for dental implant placement, but Dr. Earnest is highly experienced in dental implant placement, as well as restoration. That means you can conveniently undergo each step of the procedure for dental implants at Comal Dental.
If you have questions regarding your upcoming dental implant procedure, or if you would like to know whether implant dentistry in New Braunfels may be a great option for you, please contact our office to learn more! Request your appointment online today.
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