Dental implants can have a positive impact on your day-to-day life in a big way. From restoring your ability to chew so you can get back to eating your favorite foods to giving you the confidence to smile again with natural-looking replacement teeth, dental implants are a game changer. If you’re considering dental implant surgery to repair broken or missing teeth, it’s a good idea to learn about dental implant options and potential side effects that can occur following the procedure.
Dental implant options
Several types of dental implants in Elizabeth City can be used to restore the teeth and refresh your smile.
Fixed full arch dental implants
If you need to replace all of the top and bottom teeth, fixed full arch dental implants can be a solution. Your oral surgeon will place several implants in each arch, which will hold all of the artificial teeth in place and create a stable, natural-looking smile.
Implant-supported dentures
If you wear traditional dentures, you probably know it’s uncomfortable when they slip
while you’re chewing or talking. Implant-supported dentures offer a solution to this issue by creating a more secure base to which the dentures can attach. In some cases, the dentures can snap in and out of place, making cleaning and maintenance easy.
Single tooth dental implants
A single-tooth dental implant is a long-lasting solution to replace one missing tooth. This can be a viable option if you are replacing a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or broken or for an avulsed tooth (a tooth that has been knocked out).
Implant-supported bridges
Dental bridges bridge gaps between the teeth by replacing multiple teeth in a row. Traditional dental bridges are fixed to the surface of the teeth using a joining framework and cement to connect the fake teeth to adjacent healthy teeth. Implant-supported bridges offer a stronger foundation since the implant is inserted below the surface of the gums and into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root system.
Talk to your dentist about which implant restoration makes sense for your situation and oral health goals.
5 Common side effects after dental implant surgery
If you’re planning to get dental implants, learning about potential side effects can help you feel more informed and at ease going into the procedure.
1. Bruising
As with any surgical procedure, the skin and affected areas are subject to pressure, which can lead to bruises. During a dental implant, the gums, oral tissue, mouth, chin, and facial structure may be squeezed, which could cause temporary discoloration. The blemish may be tender to the touch but will generally disappear a few days after surgery. Try icing the area or using a cold compress to manage any bruising that crops up.
2. Swelling
The dental implant site may become inflamed after the procedure. This is a normal side effect, especially as the body is repairing the oral tissue. You can use an ice pack on the area to promote healing or talk to your dentist about anti-inflammatory medications that can help soothe the swelling. Swelling will naturally subside as the implant site heals, but if the swelling lasts for more than a few days, contact your dentist.
3. Pain and discomfort
You may experience mild to moderate levels of pain in the mouth and near the implant site after surgery. Opt for soft foods after your implant procedure, and avoid eating foods that require hard chewing or putting pressure on the implant site. You may be able to manage the pain with over-the-counter medication, and the discomfort should level off after a few days. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by a fever, call your dentist.
4. Tingling
After a dental implant is placed, the affected area will likely be numb from anesthesia. As you regain sensation at the surgery site, you may feel ticklish or tingly as the nerve endings recover from the irritation. The tingling should dissipate a day or two after surgery as the anesthesia wears off completely.
5. Minor bleeding
After dental implant surgery, you can expect some mild bleeding at the site of insertion. This typically lasts for the first day or two after the procedure while the body works to heal oral tissue and close the open wounds. Avoid putting pressure on the area, like chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth. You can use gauze to mitigate the bleeding, but if it worsens or becomes excessive, follow up with your dentist.
The bottom line
Dental implants can be the difference between broken teeth and a healthy, natural-looking smile. Before you schedule dental implant surgery, talk to your dentist about which types of dental implants make sense for your oral health goals and what to expect during the recovery process. With good oral hygiene practices and care, your dental implants can transform your smile for many years to come.
