Many adults have lost teeth to illness, accidents, tooth decay, and gum disease. Tooth loss can damage their confidence as well as their ability to speak and chew normally. Fortunately, modern solutions like dental implants offer both the appearance and functionality of real teeth. From your first consultation to getting your final custom crowns, getting dental implants can take several months. However, implants offer many benefits, such as improved oral health, better ability to bite and chew, long-lasting results, and jawbone preservation. The exact dental implant process may vary from person to person depending on factors like their overall health, oral health, and age, but you can explore a few ways to prepare for dental implants below.

What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Include?

The process of getting dental implants takes a few months and involves a few different steps and stages. Here's what patients can expect:

• Early consultations: Most patients will have one or more consultations at the beginning of the process. During these consultations, dentists will assess your oral health and eligibility for implants, get scans and X-rays of your teeth, understand your medical history, get impressions of your teeth, and create a treatment plan. You’ll also have a chance to discuss costs and materials. 

• Pre-treatment: Patients with poor bone density in their jaw or gum disease may require treatments to address these issues. 

• Surgery: Your dental surgeon will surgically place the titanium dental implants in your jaw. Surgeons use local or general pain management to minimize discomfort and pain for patients. 

• Healing period: Your implants will heal in place and integrate with your jawbone over 3 to 6 months. 

• Final smile placement: When the implants are healed, dentists take an impression of the healed implants, gums, and teeth. They use this to create a customized dental crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth.

Preparing for Dental Implants

While surgical implant placement is the most important part, there are preparatory steps you can take throughout your implant journey for a smooth process. 

Preparing for early consultations: If you have any existing health conditions or are under other treatment, carry a list of medications you're using and any relevant medical tests. It's normal to have doubts and questions about implants; writing them down beforehand helps ensure you resolve them during your consultation. 

Preparing for surgery: Most oral surgeons will provide a detailed list of pre-surgery instructions for patients getting implants. You may need to:

• Fast (avoid food) right before surgery

• Wear comfortable clothing

• Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash as you normally would

• Take any medications recommended by your oral surgeon

• Bring a list of allergies, medications, or medical conditions that may affect the surgery

• Have a friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery

Post-surgery: Dental implant surgery may feel minor compared to other procedures, but the right preparation can ensure you have a stress-free recovery.

• Reduce your workload or take time off so you can rest

• Avoid exercise or physically demanding chores

• Buy soft foods to eat for 2 to 3 days after surgery

• Get any medication recommended by your dentist

In most cases, your oral surgeon will let you know what to expect and give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. 

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults are eligible for dental implants, but the procedure does have some requirements.

• Patients with certain autoimmune conditions or uncontrolled diabetes may not be good candidates for implants. These medical conditions increase the risks associated with implant surgery and healing.

• Patients with poor jawbone density may need bone grafts before they can get implants. People taking certain medications that affect bone density may not be eligible for implants.

• People with gum disease or other oral health problems will require treatment before they can get implants.

• Children are not eligible for dental implants as their bones are still growing. Some young adults may be ineligible if their bones and teeth are still developing. 

Preparing for your dental implant procedure doesn't have to be stressful or scary. Open conversation with your dentist or oral surgeon is the key to a seamless process. When researching dental implants in Chandler, AZ., or elsewhere, remember to look for reputed and highly rated dental implant centers with experienced dental care professionals.