Dental implant surgery in Moonee Ponds: What to expect, how to prepare mentally, and more
Smile in Style offers multiple implant options at our offices in Moonee Ponds and in Sunbury. Naturally, patients considering this procedure have a lot of questions, often asking how to mentally prepare. After all, the idea of surgery can be intimidating. Thankfully, the reality is much safer, more predictable, and gentler than you might imagine. Here, we address some of the most common concerns, and discuss what you need do to prepare.
What’s involved when planning a dental implant?
First, you should understand what dental implant surgery involves. The first step is a consultation and treatment planning. We use advanced technology including CT scanning, which provides much greater detail than a simple X-ray. It allows us to determine the ideal implant location with precision accuracy. In planning the restoration, we are mindful of optimal functionality, as well as aesthetics. We work closely with the patient to design the smile of his or her dreams.
The actual surgery involves creating a tiny opening in the gums using a dental laser, then inserting the implant into the bone. It is precise and efficient, because the location, depth, angle, and number of implants are pre-determined in a detailed treatment plan.
Clinically, it is a highly sophisticated surgery, requiring precision accuracy, attention to detail, and considerable expertise. However, from the perspective of patient experience, the process is quite simple.
- First, we discuss your options, help you decide if implants are a good choice, and design your smile. We will explain everything clearly, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have along the way.
- On the day of your dental implant surgery, we start by completely numbing the area. You might feel sensations such as pressure, but you should not feel pain as the implants are placed.
- There is little to no downtime after surgery. You’ll be able to resume most normal activities but will likely need to refrain from strenuous labor. Expect to eat soft foods for several days. Some post-surgery soreness and swelling is normal, though it is usually minimal and resolves quickly. However, it does takes time for the bone to attach itself to the new implant, a process known as osseointegration. The final step is attaching the restoration, which we usually do after bone healing is complete. This is usually around the three months mark, after the implant has been inserted and we have confirmed that the implant has integrated well with the bone.
- The entire process may take several weeks or even a few months, with several appointments along the way. However, pain and discomfort are minimal.
Tips to help you prepare for dental implants
When you choose Smile in Style, you can feel confident knowing that your oral health is in exceptionally skilled hands of a highly trained dental team. However, the outcome is not entirely dependent upon the dentists’ skill. There are steps you can take to prepare yourself, making the process go smoother and helping to ensure treatment success.
- Educate yourself – Above, we summarized some of the most important information about implants and addressed some of the most common concerns. However, there is much to learn. Feel free to ask questions during your consultation or any other time. Some patients, especially those with dental anxiety, tend to think of questions at home, but forget some of them when they visit. If you have this problem, make a list of points you’d like to discuss and bring it to your next appointment.
- Stay involved – We are happy to advise and inform you. However, only you can decide what is right for your oral health and appearance. Give serious consideration to your aesthetic preferences, the decision between titanium or zirconia implants, and other questions we may ask. This is your smile, and with good care it can last the rest of your life.
- Don’t smoke – Nicotine inhibits proper healing. If you are a smoker, it is important that you stop for a period before and after any kind of surgery.
- Plan meals ahead – Recovery varies, but most patients need soft food diets for about a week.
- Follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions – Every case is different. For example, you might need to discontinue certain dietary supplements before surgery or take specific steps to clean the area during healing. We will provide detailed instructions specific to your needs, so it is very important that you follow them closely.
- Prepare to love your new smile – High quality dental implant treatment mimics the appearance, functionality, strength, and feel of natural teeth. You will be able to eat what you want, brush and floss as normal, and smile with confidence.
If you would like to schedule a dental implant consultation, please contact us at 03 8400 4104 (Moonee Ponds) or 03 8001 6021 (Sunbury).
