Placing an implant, regardless of the technology and material chosen, is completely painless. The entire procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain.
Occasionally, the dentist may choose anaesthesia as the best option. This is the case with a patient who is terrified of the dentist. However, inserting implants is a surgical procedure that should only be performed in professional and sterile conditions in a dentist’s office. After the visit, the patient should take special care of the oral cavity hygiene and regularly turn up for check-up visits.
Installing a few implants will not immediately solve common dental problems you may have with your other teeth in the future, therefore proper hygiene is crucial.
With some patients, undergoing complicated treatments before they can have implants installed might be necessary. For example, those with an uneven bite will have to straighten their teeth with metal braces. Also, patients with gum disease (e.g. mild gingivitis) will be asked to fix gum tissue with proper oral hygiene, soft toothbrushes, mouth rinsing, flossing and regular checkups at the dentist.
Before planning any dental work in your jaw one should ask oneself: Why should I have dental implants? It is also important to know what are the pros and cons of this type of medical intervention. The most obvious and undeniable advantages of dental implants are:
Natural look
Durability and strength, they can serve a lifetime
Restoring the ability to chew all foods without problems
Improving speech ability
Building up or restoring your self-confidence
Prevention of bone changes to face, cheek and jaw
Safety and reliability on the implants market
As in every medical treatment or surgery, there are a few possible drawbacks that should be taken into account and about which patients are always thoroughly informed :
The process of installing is long and requires the patient’s patience.
There is a possibility of complications, e.g. infection, and hence possibly more dental work to do in your jaw
Extractions are sometimes performed on healthy teeth unnecessarily
There is a possibility of allergies
The dental surgery itself may involve the following risks:
bone loss or fracture,
perforation
sinus problems
nerve damage
implant failure, lack of stability or rejection of the implant (very rare)
The best candidate for dental implants is an adult with a fully grown jawbone, of good health condition, especially when it comes to the dental, root canal, gum tissue and (sufficient) bone structure.
Smoking cigarettes has an extensive and negative impact on the condition of the whole body. The patient should be aware that smoking cigarettes results in worse tissue recovery and weakening of the immune system, which in turn, increases the susceptibility of our body to all kinds of infections. Therefore, it is recommended that people who have had or are to have dental implants should quit smoking.