At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges works side-by-side with a qualified and trusted implant dentist. If you’re ready to discuss dental implants and verify your candidacy, then contact our Duncan, OK, dental clinic at (580) 255-4880 or online here.

Meanwhile, let our implant dentist answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental implants. Patients can use this information to prepare for the procedure and facilitate healing after treatment.

What do I need to do to prepare for dental implants?

First, patients should have good oral health. So, dental implant candidates must be free from cavities and periodontal disease (also called gum disease) before beginning treatment. 

Secondly, patients must have adequate jawbone volume. The jawbone can degrade over time due to tooth loss, gum disease, and osteoporosis. And, when the bone deteriorates, there isn’t enough real estate for our implant dentist to embed the artificial tooth root into the jaw.

But, this doesn’t mean that patients with low jawbone density can’t get dental implants. Patients can receive a preparatory procedure known as dental bone grafting to strengthen areas of weakness or low density. 

Once patients treat all cavities, gum disease, and bone-density issues, then they may proceed to dental implant surgery!

How do I care for my dental implant after surgery?

Immediately after surgery, patients should hydrate and get plenty of rest. Our implant dentist recommends reclining with your head propped up to reduce swelling and bleeding. And, drink plenty of water, as water is clinically proven to enhance the healing process. But, avoid straws for about two weeks after surgery. The suction could dislodge newly formed blood clots.

Choose softer foods (like protein shakes, smoothies, and soups), and try not to chew on the side of the mouth where the new implant is. Additionally, avoid overly hot, spicy, and acidic foods, as they may irritate the surgical site.

Although our implant dentist will tell you to leave the new implant alone, this does not mean that patients should stop brushing or flossing. In fact, oral hygiene is more important than ever after oral surgery. So, carefully brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth and implant healthy and clean.

When will I get my restoration?

Patients must allow the jawbone to heal fully around the new dental implant. Medical professionals call this process ‘osseointegration’, and it is critical to the long-term success of the implant. 

To ensure that the implant permanently fuses with the jawbone, our implant dentist recommends waiting for approximately four to six months before placing the final restoration. Getting a new restoration before the implant is fully healed could result in a failed procedure.

Ask Our Implant Dentist about Dental Implants Today

If you’re looking for a qualified implant dentist in Duncan, OK, then let the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center help. Dr. Bridges will gladly refer you to a trained and trusted oral surgeon. Simply call (580) 255-4880 or send us a message here to request your consultation.

The post Our Implant Dentist Answers Your Dental Implant FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.