An implant is a replacement for missing teeth. It is more durable than dentures and can help prevent the bone loss that occurs when you lose teeth. The recovery process after a teeth implant can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the condition of your jaw bone and gum tissue prior to surgery. It is best to rest as much as possible after your surgery, and avoid any activities that can cause blood clots to dislodge and lead to bleeding or swelling. You should also sleep with your head elevated on a pillow to minimize pain and discomfort.

Dental implants are made from safe materials like titanium or zirconia. They are also designed to last a lifetime with good oral hygiene.

Cost

Dental implants are usually more expensive than other tooth replacement options like dentures, but they offer better long-term stability and durability. They also help preserve bone and can prevent the collapse of adjacent teeth. However, they do require more care than other options.

Patients must have enough healthy bone mass to support the implant and undergo a surgical procedure to place it in the jaw. Growing children are not good candidates for this procedure because their bones have not matured, and people with chronic diseases like diabetes may not do well after surgery because they slow healing.1

Local anesthesia is used to numb the mouth before the procedure, so patients don’t feel pain during the process. Once the anesthesia wears off, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease these symptoms. Patients should also avoid bad habits, such as chewing on hard objects, which could damage the implant. They should also visit their dentist regularly for cleaning and checkups.

Materials

The materials used for dental implants are a key factor in their success. They must be strong enough to support a false tooth or teeth without breaking under stress or placing too much pressure on the surrounding gums and jaw bones. Additionally, they must be aesthetically compatible with natural teeth.

A common implant material is titanium, which easily fuses with the bone. A dental crown, which looks like a real tooth, is then placed on top of the implant to keep it in place. The crown can be made from porcelain, composite or a type of metal.

Other materials, such as zirconia and roxolid, are also available. However, they may not be as durable as titanium. In addition, they are more expensive. Therefore, dentists must balance quality, durability, and aesthetics with patient’s budgetary constraints. They can do this by educating patients about the various material options and helping them choose an appropriate solution. They can also suggest ways to reduce costs, such as reducing the number of implants per patient.

Procedure

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure. This will include a medical history and dental X-rays or 3D images, as well as models of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also consult with other specialists, such as a doctor who treats conditions of the gums and bones (periodontist) or a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist).

Once you’re ready to begin the procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia. Then, he or she will make a small incision on the gums to expose the bone and drill a hole into it. The implant will then be placed into the hole and the site will be stitched up. Swelling may occur after the surgery, but applying ice in 20-minutes on/ 20-minutes off intervals can help decrease it. It’s important to eat soft foods, and avoid heavy exertion and smoking during recovery.

Recovery

Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, cold soup, and soft-boiled eggs, to promote healing. Avoid spicy, sour, or crunchy foods as these increase sensitivity and can put pressure on the surgical site.

It is important to take all medications as prescribed to prevent infection, manage pain, and speed up the recovery process. You should also rinse your mouth frequently using an antibacterial mouthwash or saltwater solution, but make sure to avoid brushing the surgical site directly. The doctor will remove any stitches (if they are not self-dissolving) after two weeks.