You’ve explored all the options and you discovered that dental implants are a great way to restore your smile. After considering the alternatives, you learned that dental implants don’t just rejuvenate your smile, they also help protect your gums and remaining teeth.
When you had your consultation with Dr. Eggleston, he determined that you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Congratulations! You’re on your way to a new smile.
Good Communication is Essential
Soon you will be meeting with someone from our office to arrange your timeline. You will feel a lot more comfortable about the implant process when you know what to expect.
That’s why you will be receiving detailed written instructions on how to prepare for your implant surgery. Please feel free to contact our office if you have concerns at any point during the dental implant process.
The Dental Implant Process
Every patient is unique and your treatment will reflect that. But you can expect the implant process to proceed in the following sequence:
- Meet with Dr. Eggleston for your consultation to determine if dental implants are the best way to rejuvenate your smile
- Arrange your timeline for surgery with someone from our office
- Supplemental procedures to enhance the surgical site (only necessary when recommended by Dr. Eggleston.)
- Dr. Eggleston surgically places the implant fixture
- Your body becomes adjusted to the implant fixture
- Dr. Eggleston completes the process by attaching the abutment and the crown
Supplemental Procedures
Sometimes Dr. Eggleston recommends one or more supplemental procedures to improve the condition of the surgical site before your implant surgery. The three most common supplemental treatments that Dr. Eggleston recommends are:
- Treatment for gum disease
- Bone grafting to strengthen the surgical site
- Treatment for bruxism (grinding of the teeth)
After Your Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure performed in our office. Dr. Eggleston creates a small hole so the implant fixture can become firmly anchored to your jawbone.
You will want to take some time to rest and recover following your implant surgery. Make sure to follow your written instructions and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.
You can expect some bleeding and swelling around the surgical site following your procedure. This should subside after a few days. Be sure to take all prescribed medication as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the first few days to help relieve any pain or swelling.
What to Avoid Following Surgery
The following things should be avoided following surgery because they could hinder your recovery:
- Hot beverages
- Smoking and other tobacco products
- Drinking through a straw
- Jagged foods which could aggravate the surgical site
- Alcoholic beverages
What are You Waiting For?
If you haven’t already met with Dr. Eggleston for your consultation, you can contact us right now. Let’s get to work on getting you that new smile. What are you waiting for?