What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

You may need dental implants if you're losing teeth due to decay or gum disease. Learn more about them in this comprehensive guide.

Eligibility for Dental Implants

First things first: are you a good candidate for this procedure?

Ideal candidates will have healthy enough gums to support their dental implants. Their jawbone must also be healthy enough to fuse to the metal posts placed in the mouth. Younger patients whose facial structures are still developing aren't often eligible.



You may not be a good candidate if you have specific health conditions. Certain autoimmune disorders and systemic diseases may increase your risk of infection, for example. Smokers and tobacco users are also often ineligible, as smoking increases the risk of complications after surgery, so it's crucial to quit before your procedure.

Choosing a Dentist

How do you find a dentist in Bedford to trust with your implant procedure?

Some general dentists have the training to provide implants in limited situations. However, dentists who have additional training in oral surgery are the safest and most skilled option for this procedure.



These experts have years of additional education and training over general dentists. This allows them to safely administer anesthesia or sedatives, address bone loss, and minimize the risk of complications.

What to Expect From the Procedure

Your dentist will come up with a personalized treatment plan for your implants. They'll work with you to decide which teeth need replacing and suggest which types of implants are best for your needs.

Evaluation

You'll start with an initial evaluation. Your dentist will do a comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They may do imaging or take impressions.

They'll also consult with you about your medical history and current condition. If you're taking any medications, be sure to let your dentist know.

Pre-Procedure Treatments

If your dentist identifies any jaw or tooth problems, they will address them before beginning the implant procedure. They may remove decay, extract a damaged tooth, or perform a bone graft. You'll need often time to heal between these early procedures and the implant procedure.

Adding the Posts

During the first phase of your treatment, your dentist will place the posts in your mouth. These are pieces of metal that will act as synthetic tooth roots.

They will then make a small cut in your gums to place the post into your jawbone. Once it's in place, they'll close the incision in your gums again.

Though it's sometimes possible to get the upper crown of the implant placed on the same day as the posts, most types of implants require you to take a few months for recovery before you get your crowns. This gives your jawbone time to grow around the metal posts.

Adding the Abutment

After your recovery, you'll visit the dentist a second time. Your dentist will check that the metal posts are secure before placing an abutment, which connects the post and the crown. Sometimes, this step happens on the same day as the post placement.

Adding the Crown



Once your gums have healed, your dentist will place the final crown to cap off your implant. This crown will match the shape, color, and texture of your other teeth. Most crowns are permanent, though it's also possible to get a removable crown.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

As with any type of surgery, an implant procedure carries risks.  These risks are rare and often easy to minimize with a skilled provider.

Temporary side effects after the initial surgery include pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort. Minor bleeding can also occur, and some patients complain about increased tooth sensitivity for a short period after the procedure.

Barring these smaller issues, the most common complications include infection and gum tissue recession. If the implant doesn't fuse with the jawbone, it may grow loose or fail. Sinus issues are also possible if the implants are inadvertently placed too close to the sinus cavities.

Serious and even more rare complications include tissue or nerve damage.

Talk to your dentist after getting implants if you have any aches, inflammation, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

Aftercare and Longevity

Implants look, feel, and act like your natural teeth. You can also care for them in the same ways you care for your natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups. Make sure to use a soft-bristled nylon toothbrush, a low-abrasive toothpaste, and gentle flossing tools.

In addition, you should avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your implant. Nighttime tooth grinding can also be a problem, so talk to your dentist about getting a night guard if you're worried about this. If you're used to smoking, you should avoid doing so after getting implants.



With proper care, dental implants can last upwards of 25 years. Most patients will be able to enjoy their implants for a lifetime.

Get Dental Implants From Our Experts

If you're ready to get a glowing, self-confident smile, consider dental implants! With the right knowledge and an experienced dental professional on your side, you'll be able to turn damaged or missing teeth into beautiful pearly whites.



At Dental Arts of Bedford, our seasoned team has a wealth of experience helping patients get more confident smiles. Our doctors' surgical training and years of experience make them the ideal choice for your dental implants. To schedule a consultation, call us at (603) 647-2278 today.