SUCCESSFUL DENTAL IMPLANTS
dental implants before after
For successful dental implants, there are many considerations when seeking a qualified doctor for your dental implant procedure.
Qualified general dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons can all place dental implants. Proper training and experience are indispensable factors to consider when choosing a doctor. This allows for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and completion of all procedures that are necessary for successful outcomes.
However, just as importantly, the patient has certain responsibilities to ensure a lifetime of dental implant success. Both the doctor and the patient, working together, will ensure that success.
First, let’s consider the responsibilities of the dental implant doctor. There are several procedures necessary to restore great chewing function and appearance for each patient. Each one is a careful foundation on which the others rest.
Dental Implant Considerations:
- Initial examination and diagnosis.
This allows the doctor to evaluate the current situation, both dental and
medical, so as to determine what is needed and possible. This will include:
- Thorough oral exam
- Thorough medical history
- X-Ray evalualation by plain images and/or CT scans.
- study models of the teeth, if indicated
- Treatment planning.
This includes the doctor’s treatment recommendations and
consultation with the patient
- Surgical placement of the dental implant/implants
- Placement of any necessary temporary teeth
- Healing time for the bone to grow to the implant, usually 3-6 months
- Placement of the permanent teeth on the implant/implants
Now, let’s consider the patient’s responsibility for success, and there are several.
Closely Follow the Implant Dentist’s Instructions
toothbrush adaptation
The patient should fully cooperate with all instructions given by the implant dentist, to include:
- Taking all medications or supplements the doctor may prescribe.
- Reduction or quitting smoking during the initial healing phase. Tobacco releases chemicals that retard proper healing.
- Restriction of any alcohol consumption during the initial healing phase. Alcohol will retard normal healing and can cause the tissue in the dental implant area to not close properly.
- Following any recommended diet restrictions during the healing phase.
- Follow-up office visits as necessary.
- Proper oral hygiene, during and after completion of treatment.
- Scheduled office visits for professional cleaning and care of teeth.
This is a concise overview of the responsibilities of both the implant dentist and the dental implant patient, and will ensure the long term success of your dental implant treatment – a lifetime of enjoyment of your new implants and teeth.
Together, the doctor, his staff, and the patient form a great team for success – truly something to look forward to.