3 Signs You are a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery

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Perhaps you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, and you are considering dental implants to restore your smile. Even though dental implants are a good fit for most individuals, some people would fare better with other tooth replacement options. Here are a few good signs you are a good candidate.

Your gums are in good health.

Good gum health is imperative during dental implant surgery. Once your new implants are placed, the gum tissue needs to close around the base of the new tooth. If you have periodontal disease or other gum health issues, this process may not happen properly. In some cases, gum grafts are taken to encourage new growth around the base of the implants, but even this requires healthy tissue to start with.

You are vigilant about good oral hygiene practices.

Do you feel like your day is never right if you forget to brush your teeth in the morning? Do you floss every day? How often do you get your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist? If you are vigilant about all of these things, you are probably going to be a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Even though the implants are made out of synthetic materials, the health of your mouth overall is what helps them stay securely in place. For example, if your lack of attention to brushing leads to gum disease, your new teeth could be at risk.

You are not a smoker.

Some cosmetic dentists will not perform dental implants on patients who are smokers, and it is for good reason. Smoking raises the temperature in your mouth considerably, according to Science Direct. The elevated temperature can make your mouth more prone to infections, which can actually prevent newly placed implants from healing. In general, smoking is bad for your oral health and should be avoided if you plan to obtain implants.

Talk to Us If You Believe You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants can change your life, and finding out you are a candidate is a big relief. If you believe you would be a good candidate for dental implants, reach out to us at Heritage Oral Surgery for an appointment.

What is the Recovery Period Like After Oral Surgery?

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Dental implants and other dental procedures that require oral surgery require some recovery time. Oral surgery is like any other type of surgery. For example, you will probably be given some form of anesthesia. There are many other conditions that exist or can develop after oral surgery, which will affect your recovery period.

Nausea

You may experience nausea or vomiting during the recovery period. This is often a side effect of the anesthesia. Your doctor can recommend some anti-nausea remedies to alleviate these feelings.

Trouble Eating and Drinking

Your mouth, teeth and/or gums will be sensitive following oral surgery. It’s helpful to stock up on some recommended food and drink items so they’re ready when you come home after oral surgery. Ask your doctor for a list of items that will be suitable depending on your procedure. In addition, certain foods and drinks will be prohibited immediately following your oral surgery, so be sure to stay away from those particular items.

Bleeding

If you’ve had certain procedures, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some residual bleeding from the site. Typically, applying pressure with sterile gauze for a period of time will stem the bleeding. Try not to swallow any of the blood, since that can exacerbate stomach upset. Excess bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t respond to pressure and gauze should be reported to your doctor.

Swelling

Oral surgery is traumatic to the tissues in and around your mouth. As such, you may experience swelling in the area. Swelling is caused when white blood cells race to the “scene” to initiate healing. In fact, a little swelling is a sign that your body is reacting normally. Swelling may look and feel uncomfortable, but it will typically go down on its own within about 24 hours after oral surgery.

Plan on resting at home after oral surgery. You won’t feel like going back to work for two or three days at least. Follow your doctor’s instructions and let their office know if you’re experiencing anything that feels unusual or worrying. After you’ve recovered from oral surgery, you can look forward to improved oral health for many years to come!