Dental Implants Port Huron, MI

Prior to performing a dental implant, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, plaque, and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. It will also likely be necessary to take an X-Ray or other diagnostic exam to identify underlying issues and determine if you have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support a dental implant, and if so, the optimal placement of the implant. If it is determined that dental implants are the best treatment option for you, the procedure will typically include the following steps:

• A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation is administered to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure.
• If necessary, a tooth extraction will be performed, which will involve elevating the tooth and then removing it using forceps. During this process, you should expect to feel some pressure, but the anesthetic and/or sedation to minimize or eliminate pain. If the tooth being extracted has broken off within the gums or has not erupted, it will be necessary to first make an incision into the gum line to access the tooth, after which it can be removed using forceps, or be cut into sections and removed in pieces.
• Next, a small hole is drilled into your jawbone, in which a titanium post is placed. This post will act as the base for the abutment and crown, which will be attached at a later date. Before these pieces can be attached, it will be necessary to stitch this area up to heal and to allow for the post to fuse with your natural jawbone through a process called osseointegration. The time required to complete osseointegration will vary from patient to patient but can take anywhere from six weeks to six months.
• Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment and crown are placed. Once they have been tested to ensure the bite and appearance are correct, the dental implant process will be complete.

Due to the prolonged nature of the dental implant process, it is essential that you closely follow the aftercare instructions provided by your periodontist. In addition to following these instructions, additional steps you can take to minimize post-procedural issues include:

• Discomfort or pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medication. Follow recommended dosages, and if prescribed painkillers, take as directed until the prescription runs out.
• Swelling can be controlled by placing ice packs over the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. It is important not to leave the ice pack on for too long, as doing so reduces blood flow, which can slow the healing process.
• Avoid using a straw, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.
• Do not brush or floss for the first 24 hours. When you resume your oral hygiene routine, practice gentle brushing techniques as the area heals. You may begin flossing your natural teeth, but do not use floss on the dental implant.
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft food diet (yogurt, pudding, applesauce, soup) for at least one week. You may begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods as discomfort subsides and healing progresses.
• Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours, possibly longer depending on the severity of your case.