It is fair to say that the world of cosmetic dental care has come leaps and bounds in recent years.
Things that were once considered impossible are now performed nearly every day across Australia and indeed the world using cosmetic procedures, such as concealing cracks and chips in someone’s teeth, minimalising gaps and indeed, fitting new teeth that work and feel just like natural ones!
One of the most popular of all the cosmetic treatments is the fitting of oral implants. An implant (which looks like a small, titanium screw) is fitted into the jaw and after a few months, a prosthetic tooth or teeth are attached to the top. This process is dependent on the fusion of the bone to the titanium alongside having a healthy amount of jaw bone, so you will need to see your dentist for an assessment before this procedure can be started.
But if you are already booked in to have dental implants in Wagga fitted, you will probably have some questions about the process and the aftercare. In this article, the top 5 FAQs about implants are answered, helping you to understand the procedure better. Enjoy!
Does the fitting hurt?
Before you have dental implants near Wagga fitted, your dentist will numb the area to make sure you are comfortable so, in short, no the process does not hurt.
Once you are at home afterwards, you may feel a sensation akin to soreness and bruising; this is normal and should be controllable with over the counter pain relief. If it isn’t managable, contact your team.
Will there be swelling?
Yes, there will; dental implants from Wagga require incisions into the gum line and stitches afterwards, so some swelling after the procedure is completely normal.
However, the swelling should be localised to the implant site and should not be spreading around your mouth. If you notice the swelling is worsening, becoming painful or is spreading, contact your dental team for an emergency appointment.
How will I know it is healing well?
A few days after the fitting, the gum around the implant site should be pink, with some swelling and discomfort. There should be no intense feelings of pressure in the jaw where the implant is
placed, and there should be no foul odour or taste in your mouth.
How long will the healing process take?
Once the implant is fitted, you will need to wait between 3-6 months for it to fuse to the bone. This process can be delayed depending on your age, health issues and hygiene.
Do they feel weird once they have fused?
It may initially seem strange to have a metal screw affixed to your jaw, but based on patient reviews, an oral implant does not feel odd.
In fact, as it is rooted to your jaw, it feels like a natural tooth when you are biting and chewing and as it cannot (or should not!) move, there is no secondary soreness to worry about when eating. Great stuff!
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
