However, if you are thinking about getting dental implants from your dentist in Niles, IL, you might be wondering what you should expect from the dental implant process, as well as the dental implant healing time. These are, of course, important concerns for anyone interested in getting dental implants.

To start off, let's first take a closer look at what dental implants are exactly and what you should expect from the dental implant procedure. 

Dental implants not only replace the visible part of your tooth, but the roots of your tooth as well. Dental implants are full of advantages because they can give people back their confidence when it comes to their smiles. They can also help people chew and speak better. 

They have a success rate of 98% percent, and as long as you take care of them, they can last for the rest of your life thanks to their durability. Virtually anyone can get dental implants. as long as they have lost a tooth. However, your jaw bone does need to be healthy and you need to be willing to practice good dental hygiene before you get implants. 

If you have heart disease or diabetes, you might need to be evaluated to see if you might be a good fit for dental implants. You should also make sure you choose the best oral surgeon you can find so you can rest easy knowing you will have great results. However, what should you expect when it's time to get your dental implants?

The dental implant procedure timeline starts with setting up a treatment plan with your oral surgeon. Your surgeon will likely work with a team of professionals to come up with a dental implant plan that will be perfect for you. This is important as it will ensure that your dental implants won't cause you any trouble.

When it's time for the procedure, your jaw will be numbed with an anesthetic so you won't feel any pain. The procedure will then begin with a root implant, which is usually a titanium post. This post will be placed into the socket where your tooth's root used to be. 

The post is then left to heal and attach to your jaw bone which will take around 12 weeks or less. Once your jawbone has grown around the post, another post will be attached to the existing post. This second post will act to connect the root implant to the tooth implant. 

For your new tooth, your dentist, Niles, IL, will take on the responsibility of taking molds of your teeth. Your new tooth will be created to look similar to your teeth to achieve the most natural appearance. Once your new tooth is created, your dentist will attach it to the post in your jaw and the procedure will be complete. 

But what about the healing process?

The recovery time may be longer if you decide to get multiple implants. However, usually after a week or so, you can go back to work and resume your other daily activities. When you are first recovering, however, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. 

Directly after the procedure, you will still be recovering from the anesthesia so you will likely need someone to drive you home. As the anesthesia wears off, you will feel some pain in the area as well as some swelling or bleeding. You may experience some bruising around your jaw.

Because the area of your jaw where you got your implants will be sensitive, your dental implant recovery diet should consist of soft foods and liquids such as soup. To help with the pain, over-the-counter painkillers should help relieve your discomfort and reduce any swelling. You may also apply a cold compress to your jaw. 

Your dentist will likely prescribe you some antibiotics to take for a few days after the procedure. This will reduce the risk of an infection occurring. You should brush the rest of your teeth, but not your implants, when they are first healing. 

Instead, rinse your mouth with saltwater. If you smoke, you should try to stop smoking as your implants heal since nicotine can interfere with the healing process. Finally, keep an eye on your implants, and if you notice any signs of infection, call your dentist Niles, Il.

To learn more, why not contact us and make an appointment?