Your Guide to Prepare for Implant Restoration

Roughly 120 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. That’s 120 million people who are dealing with both oral health and self-confidence issues.

Not only can a missing tooth be the perfect trap for bacteria to congregate, leading to gum disease, but it can also lead to additional crooked teeth, a weakened jawbone, and a lack of confidence.

Dental implant restoration is one of the best methods for dealing with missing teeth. The term refers to an implant installed in your jawbone that serves as the foundation (and replacement tooth root) where a crown can sit to replace the tooth itself.

Dr. Minh Nguyen at Portrait Dental is an expert at restoring smiles with dental implants. Here’s your guide to prepare for the process.

What is the implant restoration process?

Your preparation starts with knowing what to expect. The first step in the process is a consultation with Dr. Nguyen. He’ll examine your mouth and make sure you’re a good candidate for an implant, and you’ll discuss what type of restoration will go on top of the implant — a crown, bridge, or denture (this may depend on how many teeth you’re missing).

The next step is the installation of the titanium implant in your jawbone, after which the incision in your gums is sutured. To prepare for this procedure, you’ll fast from food and drink for 6-12 hours before the surgery and stop smoking for at least 12 hours before the appointment time.

Once the implant is complete, you’ll have to wait three to six months while osseointegration, or the fusing of the implant to the jawbone, occurs. You should avoid crunchy, chewy, and hard foods during this time to protect the implant.

When osseointegration is complete, Dr. Nguyen will install an abutment on top of the implant to hold your crown, which has been custom-made to fully blend in with your natural teeth. 

How can you prepare?

In addition to fasting and not smoking before the initial surgery, you should also have someone who can drive you home afterward, and you should be ready for a modified post-procedure diet of soft foods such as yogurt and soups. 

You should also expect some mild swelling and minor bleeding in the first couple of days, and you should avoid strenuous activities while your mouth heals. When you brush your teeth, be gentle around the implant site until it’s fully healed, and then you can continue to follow your normal oral hygiene routine.

If you’re missing a tooth, Dr. Nguyen and our team at Portrait Dental can restore your smile with dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call our Katy, Texas, office or fill out our online appointment request form.