Here at Worcester Quality Dental, we understand that before our patients embark on the process of dental implants they want to know all about the procedure and what to expect. The good news is that the process of getting dental implants, when conducted by experts, is simple, safe, and stress-free.
We also always work in partnership with our patients, guiding them through and educating them on each stage of the dental implant process, something we use state-of-the-art, intraoral digital photographs for.
Also, as you will see for yourself with the information below, we use the latest technology to ensure the quietest and most comfortable dental implant procedure and recovery. Keep reading to find out about every stage of the process below.
Recovery Time
One of the most common questions that patients pose to us about dental implant recovery is how long it will take them to be back to normal. Well, the answer is that recovery is an individual process and that means each person will follow their own time scale.
However, to give our patients a better understanding of what is involved, we do outline that dental implants are one of the longer treatment processes. This is because there are several stages to work through including the dental implant placement and the abutment placement, where the patient’s own bone needs to grow around the implant. What this translates to is that from beginning to end the treatment can take several months to complete.
The good thing about this timescale is that it is customized to each individual to ensure proper healing of each stage, before moving on to the next. Of course, by conducting the process in this unhurried way, we can make sure that the patient’s treatment is as successful, uncomplicated, and comfortable as possible.
Client Choice
As part of our ongoing commitment to patient partnership and education, we make sure that every client understands that implants are not the only choice available. Yes, fixed implants, otherwise known as crowns, which are permanently attached via cement or screw to the lower part of the implant have many advantages. Such benefits include a very high procedural success rate, and that when taken care of correctly, implants will last for an entire lifetime. Then there is the fact that with implants any strain on your remaining teeth is reduced, which can help them to stay healthy and straight.
Many people also like permanent dental implants because if anything does go wrong with them, they can easily be replaced without any pain. Finally, implants are such a popular choice because unlike dentures they do not have to be removed to be cleaned each day, and there is no risk of loosening that will affect speech, smiling, eating or drinking. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, because of the nature of implants patients can expect to regain structure in the lower face, something that can help provide them with the most youthful image possible.
However, we understand that many of our clients prefer a removable option such as dentures, which are available in partial or full sets and we respect their right to choose the treatment that is best for them.
Comfort
At Worcester Quality Dental patient comfort is always a priority when we perform dental implant procedures. However, we do also like to make our clients aware that just as in any type of surgery, small and manageable levels of discomfort are to be expected.
Fortunately, here at Worcester Quality Dental, we use the most up to date electric handpieces in our implant procedures. This means that clients experience greatly reduced vibration and noise during the procedure itself, and a much calmer and more comfortable visit overall.
While you heal
Finally, low-level discomfort is to be expected after the dental implant procedure. Typically patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms: discomfort at the site of the implant, skin or gum bruising, swelling, and minor bleeding. Stitches are also common.
This means that clients will need to make small changes to the way they drink and eat while the healing process is going on. In particular, softer foods such as soup shakes, and mashed potatoes are a good choice during healing.
Of course, oral hygiene is still a priority for patients in the healing process. What that means is in the first 24 hours after the surgery regular salt water rinses should be performed. After that, a careful and gentle flossing and brushing can be resumed. Although if you have any questions about post-implant oral hygiene or the implant process itself, contact us on (508) 754-0918. We will be only too happy to share our knowledge and expertise on the process.
