REPLACE YOUR MISSING TEETH.
Patients interested in dental implants will need generally good oral health and an adequate amount of jawbone density to support the implants. If these conditions aren’t met, additional procedures such as bone graft surgery or a sinus lift may be needed beforehand. Once we’re confident in great results, it’ll be time for the surgical placement. Our team has had specific training to ensure only the best results in the safest environment for our patients.
We have put together a great starter guide for you to learn more about how the dental implant process works:
SEDATION DENTISTRY FOR COMFORT
For your comfort, we offer two different types of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
Sometimes, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is administered during certain procedures. While you inhale nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nose mask, the doctor can proceed with placing your dental implants. You’ll feel light and easy during treatment, and the effects wear off moments after the mask is removed.
Oral conscious sedation provides a deeper level of sedation. You’ll take a small amount of anti-anxiety medication at a pre-determined time before your appointment. By the time you arrive at our office, you’ll be very relaxed and inclined to snooze through your treatment. Because you have a sedative in your system, you will need to arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from your appointment.
RECEIVING YOUR TOOTH REPLACEMENT
There are multiple options available for restoration, depending on the extent of the patient’s tooth loss and their personal needs. These include:
Dental Crowns – When we’re restoring only one tooth, an all-ceramic dental crown is a perfect solution. They rebuild the lost shape and structure while also leaving nearby healthy teeth unaffected.
Implant-Supported Prosthetics – When replacing several teeth, a custom implant-supported denture or bridge is a more cost-effective option. They’re designed to snap over a certain number of implants making them much sturdier and more supportive than their traditional counterparts.
AFTER YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT
Once dental implants are in place by the Periodontist, patients typically need a healing period of a few months. This gives the bone time to create a strong bond with the new implants in order to build a solid foundation.
For the first few days after your surgery, you’ll want to stick to a diet of soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, applesauce, pasta, eggs, ice cream, soups and the like. Hydration is very important to the healing process, too, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Do not use a straw because the sucking action can loosen any sutures that may be present. Also, smoking inhibits the healing process and even reduces the overall chances of successful implantation. Therefore, we prefer that our implants patients be non-smokers or at least willing to refrain during the process.
FINANCING AND INSURANCE
We don’t want the fear of the cost of dental implants to prevent you from finding out more! At Fremaux Dental, our amazing staff will work with you and your insurance company as well as present financing options to you to ensure that money is not the reason you don’t have the smile you deserve!