What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process with Encompass.

The journey to restoring your smile with dental implants can be exciting and a bit intimidating. Knowing what to expect during the dental implant process can help ease anxiety, and Encompass is here to prepare you for a successful restoration. In this post, we will guide you through each step from initial consultation to post-operative care.

Understanding the Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process begins with a thorough consultation with Encompass. This initial meeting is crucial for determining your candidacy for implants. Your dentist will perform exams, take radiographs, digital scans and discuss your medical history.

One of the main goals during this phase is to evaluate the health of your jawbone. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be necessary. This procedure helps create a stable foundation for the implant.

Dr. Ashley Agnini performing a dental examination for implants.

After assessing your eligibility, the timeline of the procedure will be outlined. Typically, the dental implant process takes several months, depending on healing times.

The Surgical Procedure

Once you have been cleared for the procedure, we will schedule the implant surgery. This step is often performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure you are comfortable.

The surgery involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which will serve as the root for your new tooth. The dentist makes a small incision in your gum to access the bone and then drills a hole to insert the implant.

It may take a few months for the bone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This healing phase is critical for the strength and longevity of the implant.

Dr. Duke is working on a patient during dental implant surgery.

After the Surgery: Recovery and Care

After the surgery, it's crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. This will help promote healing and ensure the success of your dental implants.

You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort, which is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often manage this discomfort. Soft foods are critical during the initial healing phase as biting pressure can make the implant unstable and cause failure.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Be sure to brush gently around the surgical site and follow the post-operative care guidelines provided by your dentist. During this time, you may be given a temporary crown to wear until the permanent restoration is ready. Recovery varies from person to person, but most can return to their regular activities fairly quickly.

If you notice any signs of complications, such as severe pain or pus, contact the office immediately.

Final Restoration

Once you've healed fully, the final step involves placing your permanent tooth/teeth. This replacement is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color and shape. Each case is different and may require multiple visits. You may require a follow-up visit to make adjustments for optimal comfort and appearance.

It's crucial to attend all follow-up appointments, as they help monitor the implant's integration and ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Maintaining Your Dental Implants for Longevity

After your dental implants are fully restored, maintaining them is vital to their longevity. While implants are designed to last for many years, poor oral hygiene can lead to complications.

Be sure to brush and floss daily, just as you would with natural teeth. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the health of your implants as well as your overall dental health.

Avoid habits that can damage your dental implants, such as grinding your teeth or biting hard foods. If you have teeth grinding (bruxism), consider speaking to your dentist about protective night guards.

Care for your implants as you would your natural teeth. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of your implants for a lifetime!

With thorough preparation and care during each step of the dental implant process, achieving a restored smile is within reach. Remember, open communication with your dental care team is key to a successful outcome.

Check out our Implant Membership Plan - to keep you on track with your implant maintenance protocol.

Encompass Dental is your trusted family dentist in Auburndale, FL. Renowned as the best dentist in Auburndale, FL, our commitment to comprehensive dental care extends to every member of your family. At Encompass Dental and Wellness, we go beyond traditional dentistry, offering specialized services as a cosmetic dentist in Auburndale Fl and implant dentist in Auburndale, FL.