Dental Implants in Union, NJ

To be a candidate for dental implants, you must have healthy gums, sufficient bone density, and the ability to maintain great oral health and hygiene. Healthy gums are paramount because an implant specialist must work closely with the soft tissues during the procedure. Healthy gums also reduce the chances of having failed implants. A condition known as peri-implantitis can arise after the placement of the implants, causing implant failure. Maintaining oral health is also key when it comes to preventing implant failure.

Heavy exertion can bring pain to the implant. Avoid brushing the implant site for about seven days, but brush the other teeth normally. You will return to our dentist's office for a follow-up to see that things are okay. After a week, the mouth will have healed considerably; you can begin brushing the implant site, but do it mildly. Most patients are fully healed by the end of two weeks. However, the implant continues the osseointegration process that takes roughly 3 to 6 months.

Our dentist uses sedation such as IV or oral conscious sedation so that you stay calm. We also use a local anesthetic to make the area of operation numb during the start of the procedure. As the dentist works on the site, you may feel some pressure, but there is no. Therefore, you shouldn't fret about pain. After the implants, you will have some pain, swelling, or discomfort when the healing process begins. This is, however, normal. You can easily manage it with painkillers and the anti-inflammatories we prescribe you.

Tooth implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or the entire row. A single implant is done when you have just one tooth that needs to be replaced. Our dentist can suggest multiple implants if you have several teeth needing replacement. When your teeth have become extremely damaged, they can be removed, and a whole mouth implant used to replace them. This type of implant is termed the All-on-4® implant and uses only four or six implants to hold and support an entire row of teeth.

Before receiving your dental implant surgery, try to avoid exhausting yourself. The dentist may need to work longer depending on the number of implants placed. Consider having plenty of sleep the day before and resting enough to remain relaxed. It is imperative to keep your dental appointments as many things can happen from now to the time of the surgery. As such, the dentist would want to monitor your oral health before the surgery. Don't drink and smoke because substances in these products can dry out the mouth.

Tooth implants require proper care to allow them last longer and stay functional. A rigorous oral health practice is needed to keep the implants clean. If not, then you could develop peri-implantitis. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes which are gentle to the implants and enamel. Also, avoid abrasive toothpaste since it can damage the implant.

Moreover, floss daily and practice good oral hygiene. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding hot, sticky, or hard foods is also recommended. Again, quit smoking and visit our dentist regularly to allow the specialist to see if the implants are in good shape and health.

With regular flossing and brushing, the implant screw can last a lifetime. However, the crowns will only last for roughly 10 to 15 years, meaning that you will have to get them replaced after that timeframe. The crowns wear out over time, but the implant screw remains bonded and embedded into the jawbone for life. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and using the crowns can extend their life beyond 15 years. Additionally, the location of the crowns in the mouth is another factor that affects how soon you replace them.

Consume liquids and soft items during the tender stage of the healing process. You can eat mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup, and protein-rich yogurts. If you are consuming smoothies and other liquids, avoid using a straw because it causes suction that puts pressure on the implanted tooth. After about seven days, you can have some firmer foods, but they should be soft, for instance, cooked pasta, omelets, and scrambled eggs. Introduce soft meats like fish or chicken as you continue healing. Also, ensure your vegetables are steamed or boiled until they become soft.