What to Ask Your General Dentist About the Dental Implant Process

Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first meeting.

Is a restricted diet necessary after implant surgery?

The patient must take in liquids and soft foods. Smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are common examples. Focus on foods that do not need significant chewing. Stay away from crunchy, spicy, and acidic dishes for about a week after the procedure. Research shows that most patients can resume their regular diets after about a week.

When can implant surgery follow a dental extraction?

One can have implant surgery as soon as the tooth comes out. Some patients can have an early implant placement, which is two to three months after extraction. Others have delayed implant surgery three to 12 months after removing the tooth. The amount of bone at the extraction or implant site will determine if the patient can get implants.

Is anyone suitable for implant surgery?

Dental implants can help give anyone a permanent smile. Through them, the general dentist can recommend bringing back dental function while completing one’s smile goals. Studies show that most patients prefer dental implants to removable dental restorations. But only some people can get dental implants. Below are the people who can have implant surgery:

• Those who quit smoking or do not smoke at all
• People with healthy, developed jawbone
• Those who practice good oral care practices
• People who do not want to wear removable dentures

Will the restorations be obvious?

The general dentist will explain how these restorations will look. An implant will replace an entire dental structure without standing out as an artificial tooth. The provider will make sure that the implant will blend well with the surrounding natural teeth. The color, texture, and foundation will be the same as that of a natural tooth. An ordinary person will have difficulty identifying the artificial tooth.

What can PRGF (platelet-rich growth factor) do?

PRGF is an advanced process that can enhance the healing process in many procedures like implant surgery. This treatment needs to draw some blood from the patient. Processing the blood will separate the blood’s components. This will bring out the proteins that are necessary for healing. Injecting the proteins into the implant area will enhance tissue regeneration. Recovery will then become more comfortable.

What will recovery be like?

The general dentist will tell the patient that a little discomfort is natural. This will last for about a week after implant surgery. Swelling and bruising will happen on the first day after the procedure. Calling the dentist is necessary if the patient’s site pain is still there at least two weeks after the implant surgery.