Dental Implants: Your Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect

If you have missing teeth, it could be time to consider dental implant surgery. While dentures may have been the standard treatment option in the past, they only replace the missing portion of your tooth that sits about your gumline. With dental implants, you can restore the entire tooth ― including the root ― which plays a crucial biological role in your overall oral health.

Your tooth roots and jawbones form a system that normally works together. When you bite and chew, your natural teeth move a tiny bit. This movement stimulates the bone tissue in your jaws. If you extract teeth and replace them with dentures, you lose this important interaction and, over time, your jawbone tissue slowly erodes. Henry Suarez, DDS and the team at Healthy Dental Expressions use dental implants to recreate this stimulation by creating teeth restorations that more closely function like natural teeth.

 

Doesn’t getting dental implants hurt?

The implant procedure can sound overwhelming. After all, we cut gum tissue and drill holes into bone. Plus, some dental implant procedures require bone grafts. It’s no wonder that the process can sound intense.

However, these fears are typically groundless. Advancements in dental anesthetics and procedures have greatly reduced the pain factor. Yes, there’s usually some soreness or tenderness after the anesthetics wear off, but you can handle this minor discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications or, if needed, mild prescription drugs.

It may surprise you to learn that many implant procedures occur midday, and the patient can often resume their regular routine immediately after their appointment. Rest assured that as long as you prepare by taking the recommended pain medication, you should be able to return to your regular activities as soon as your implant is in.

That said, procedures, including bone grafts, may require a general anesthetic. If you need bone grafts or a general anesthetic, you’ll need to have someone drive you home after your appointment, and you shouldn’t operate heavy or dangerous equipment for approximately 24 hours after your surgery.

 

What to expect when getting implants

Getting your dental implant is only the first step in the tooth replacement process. Once we place your implant ― which is a titanium post ― it needs to fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration takes time, which can depend on the implant procedure you had and on the overall condition of your jaw.

While your jaw heals and bonds to the implant, we often recommend restricting your diet to soft foods to avoid disrupting the osseointegration process. Once your implant fuses to your jawbone, we place an abutment on top of it. Then, we place the false tooth on top of the abutment. The tooth is the only thing you’ll see above your gumline.

Every implant procedure has its own challenges based on the condition of the tissue in your mouth. However, choosing an experienced dental implant specialist, such as the ones at Healthy Dental Expressions, is the first step in a successful implant procedure.

Contact Healthy Dental Expressions today to schedule your initial implant consultation. You can phone us directly at 561-235-3839 or request an appointment using our online tool. You’ll learn more about the dental implant procedure and the advantages it offers you.

You Might Also Enjoy…

5 Reasons Invisalign Remains So Popular

5 Reasons Invisalign Remains So Popular

Having improved the smiles of more than 6 million patients — including 1.4 million teens — you may wonder why more and more people are choosing Invisalign® over traditional braces to fix their smile flaws. With the Invisalign system, you are given a number of sets of...

The Amazing Versatility of Dental Veneers

The Amazing Versatility of Dental Veneers

Having problems with your teeth is nothing to smile about. But, even if you were born with them, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to change them. At Healthy Dental Expressions in Lake Worth, Florida, Dr. Henry Suarez can help fix the dental flaws that keep...

Tips for Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

Your smile says a lot about you. It communicates your mood, what’s on your mind, and some less obvious things, like what you value — such as good hygiene, a professional appearance, and self-respect.  A bright smile may even land you a job or spark a new relationship....

What to Expect from Invisalign

What to Expect from Invisalign

Did you know that 8 million people have turned to Invisalign for their orthodontic needs? Uncomfortable metal braces are no longer your only pathway to a dazzling smile. Invisalign isn’t just for straightening teeth — these comfortable, clear aligners can discreetly...

4 Common Dental Emergencies

4 Common Dental Emergencies

If there’s one constant in this uncertain world of ours, it’s that accidents can, and do, happen. If you or a loved one is faced with a dental emergency, the steps you take before you come to see us are important. Here at Healthy Dental Expressions, our team of dental...

Testimonials

"I have known Dr. Suarez for over ten years and and I am happy to call him a friend, not every body cares about their patients the way he does."

JVAN V.

"Excellent service! I've been coming here for years. Dr. Suarez and his staff have never let us down when it comes to our dental health."

MARIANGELLA DE B.

"Dr. Suarez is a caring professional who has taken my personal dental care to a whole new level! I am no longer concerned about going to the dentist."

JODI U.

"Excellent, they make me feel really good, they do excellent job until now, I continue with my treatment."

MANUEL D.

"To the great doctor and his great staff!! Great personality, he is always up and does a great job with all of our problems. We are so happy to have found him!"

JAN P.

"Prompt, friendly, efficient service! Further impressed with each visit to this wonderful dental office."

JED G.

"These people are lifesavers, literally. Even under the worst circumstances, they offer hope, care and are total professionals."

MARK H.

"I wouldn't go to anyone else. Very kind and professional."

CARLY S.

LOCATION

Healthy Dental Expressions

3960 Hypoluxo Rd suite 101,

Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Phone: 561-969-2696

Fax: 561-969-0993

OFFICE HOURS

Monday9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday9:00 am - 1:00 pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed