Getting a dental implant is a big step towards restoring your smile and oral health. But you may have some questions or concerns about the process. Here, you can walk through the things you need to know about getting a dental implant, from the initial consultation to the final placement of the implant.

Initial Consultation

First, you'll have an initial consultation. During your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your treatment options with you. They will also take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan for you. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery process.

Surgical Procedure

Once your treatment plan is in place, the next step is the surgical procedure to place the dental implant. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue and then drill into the jawbone to place the implant. After the implant is placed, your gum tissue will be stitched back together and left to heal for several months.

Healing Process

The healing process after getting a dental implant can vary from person to person, but it generally takes several months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this time, it's important to follow your dentist's instructions for caring for the surgical site and maintaining good oral hygiene. You may experience some discomfort or swelling after the surgery, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Final Placement

Once your dental implant has fully healed and integrated with the jawbone, you will return to your dentist for the final placement of the crown or prosthetic tooth. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom crown that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it will be attached to the implant using an abutment. After this final step, you will have a fully restored smile that looks and functions just like natural teeth.

Follow-Up Care

After getting a dental implant, it's important to continue seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implant and make sure it's functioning properly. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding habits like smoking that can negatively impact oral health.

Reach out to a local clinic like Burns Dentistry to learn more.