5 FAQs about oral implant fitting answered
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, the idea of having oral implants can seem like a dream come true.
Indistinguishable from your natural teeth, these prosthetics are fitted onto an artificial root which has fused to your jaw. They allow you to bite into food with confidence and do not cause the issues typically seen with dentures.
If you are like most dental patients, you have probably researched the surgical part of oral implants and have come across some myths that have left you hot under the collar! You may have read that the fitting is painful and that the majority of oral implants become infected. Simply put, if your dental implant in Melbourne is fitted by a trained and capable prosthodontist, there should be no such issue occurring!
In this article, 5 of the most commonly searched questions about having a dental implant near Melbourne fitted are answered, allowing you to get the facts about the procedure.
Does the fitting hurt?
In short, no.
Before your dental implant from Melbourne is fitted, your dental team will ensure that the area where the implant will be placed is numbed.
If you experience any discomfort during the fitting, let your dental team know as soon as possible.
Will I be sedated during the fitting?
If the idea of having an oral implant fitted while awake makes you nervous, then your dental team may be able to offer you sedatives to ease your nerves.
These will usually be either oral sedatives in the form of a pill, inhaled sedatives like nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation. If you have intravenous sedation, you will need to ensure that you have a friend or family member with you to escort you home afterwards.
How many appointments should I expect?
This will depend on how many implants are being fitted.
If you are having a single implant placed, you can expect to attend 1 appointment for the fitting, which should take up to an hour.
If you are having multiple implants fitted, your dentist may choose to spread the fitting over a 2 week period, which may require up to 4 appointments. Remember, this is just for the fitting of the implants; you will need to visit your dentist regularly post-fitting to ensure that your implants are fusing to your jaw correctly.
Will I need preventive antibiotics afterwards?
No, you won’t.
Many patients worry about their implants becoming infected but there is no reason to undertake a course of antibiotics to prevent an infection from forming.
If you notice abnormal swelling, colouring or discomfort following your implant fitting, you will need to visit your dentist as you may have an infection.
How long will it take to fuse?
An endosteal implant takes between 3-6 months to fuse to the jaw.
If you have had a bone graft placed, then you will need to wait for the graft to fuse fully before an implant can be placed. This can extend the process up to 6 months.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.