Investing your time and money on something can take you on a  roller coaster of feelings and emotions right? A mix of excitement mixed with a dash of anxiety. This is especially true when it’s something that can transform your smile and life (we’re talking dental implants). 

You must probably be thinking, “Is this the right move? What’s the process like? Will it hurt? Will it really look like my natural teeth and so on.” 

These are all valid questions. After all, getting dental implants is about way more than just improving your smile. We believe you deserve straight-up answers for all your concerns (no matter how big or small). 

So, let’s talk about what to expect before, during and after your implant procedure. At Brisbane Implants, we won’t spring nasty surprises your way. We want you to go in with the confidence of knowing exactly what’s coming next. 

Preparing for Dental Implants 

Proper preparation before your dental implant procedure can make the entire process a whole lot easier. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect and how you can get ready for it:

Consultation 

It all begins with a thorough 40-minute consultation and a radiograph where we’ll assess your condition, oral health and the condition of your jawbone. This helps us understand your needs and craft the best treatment plan for you. 

Since your overall health can also affect implant success, we will chat about your medical history. Talk to us about any conditions or allergies and medications you take. This helps us fine-tune your treatment plan and choose the right type of anaesthesia. 

It’s also the chance to get all your questions and concerns answered. Our team is here to put your mind at ease and make sure you feel good about everything.

Discussion and Treatment Plan

To us at Brisbane Implants, open communication is the name of the game! During your consultation, we’ll have an open and honest chat about your case and the costs involved. Then, we’ll craft a personalised treatment plan that’s just for you, taking into account your needs and expectations. We will also set realistic expectations and make sure all your worries are addressed before we go any further. 

Diagnostic Imaging & Digital Planning

We are all about precision! That’s why we use 3D scans and advanced digital imaging to plan the placement of your dental implants down to the tiniest detail. Using these advanced technologies, we will get the best possible results for your smile in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.

Additional Procedures

Sometimes, your jawbone might need more density or your gums might need some care before we dive into implants. If that’s the case, no worries! Our dentist will address these conditions first and make sure everything’s in tip-top shape for your implants.

Think of it as creating the perfect foundation for a long-lasting and healthy smile. 

Preparation Instructions

You’ve also got an important part to play in making your dental implant procedure a smooth one. We will give you the full rundown before the procedure, but here are some key things to keep in mind: 

• If you’re prescribed any preoperative meds (like antibiotics), take them as directed. 

• Smoking can affect implant success and the healing process. That’s why we recommend quitting altogether (best move). But, if you can’t quite kick the habit, it’s best to avoid smoking for a week before the procedure and two months afterwards. 

• Keep your teeth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing your teeth properly.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before. 

• Buy any post-op meds you’ll need beforehand and stock up on soft foods like smoothies and yoghurt to avoid disturbing the surgical site. 

• Clear your schedule for a few days as you might experience some swelling and pain after the procedure. 

• Have someone drive you home after the procedure since local anaesthesia will be administered during the procedure. 

During Dental Implant Surgery 

Anaesthesia 

Before we kick things off, you will be given local anaesthesia to keep things comfy by numbing the area around the implant site. If you are getting multiple implants or feeling nervous about the procedure, we might use sedation to help you relax. 

Implant Placement 

Our dentist will make a small incision in your gum to expose the jawbone. Then, we will carefully drill a small hole into the bone and insert the dental implant post. Once this titanium post is in place, we will close the incision, let it heal and fuse with your jawbone.

Healing

While your implant fuses with the jawbone (in a process called osseointegration), we will keep a close eye on things. Healing can take about 3-6 months but this can vary because every case is different. We will then place a healing abutment or a temporary crown to cover your implant and keep it safe. 

You might experience some swelling and bruising around your mouth. But there’s no need to worry. That will settle down in a few days. If you’re feeling any pain, you can take some painkillers.

Abutment Placement 

Next, an abutment (connector piece) will be placed on top of the implant to support your dental prosthetic.

Restoration Placement

Now, it’s time for the grand finale! We will craft a custom-made dental prosthetic (a crown, bridge or denture) to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth and place it on the abutment. Not only will it look like the real deal, it will also feel just like it. 

After the Procedure 

During recovery, you may experience some swelling, bleeding and pain. This is normal, and these effects should typically subside within a week of your dental implant procedure. However, it’s important to follow all the instructions given to you by our dentist to minimise any pain and discomfort during this period. 

Here are some things you can do:  

• Rest and Recharge: Take it easy for the first week or two and avoid any strenuous activities. 

• Keep the Surgical Site Clean: Keep the surgical site clean and dry with good oral hygiene as instructed by our dentist. We will provide instructions for brushing, flossing and general oral hygiene. 

• Nourish and Hydrate: Fuel up with a healthy diet and plenty of fluids. This will help speed up healing. Avoid anything too crunchy or chewy for a while to prevent damaging your implants. 

• Take Pain Medication: If you’re feeling any discomfort, take pain meds as prescribed. We will give you the full scoop on managing post-op pain before you leave the clinic. 

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking is bad news for healing and can affect implant success. So avoid smoking or quit the habit altogether.

• Regular Check-ups: Visit our clinic for regular check-ups so we can keep an eye on your smile and make sure everything’s working out smoothly. 

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Don’t forget to also floss your teeth daily. If regular flossing is tricky, you can even try an interdental brush or a water flosser.

• Avoid Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth: If you are in the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, let us know! You may need to wear a mouthguard to protect your implant and teeth. 

A little TLC and aftercare go a long way. Follow these tips to a tee, and you’ll be flashing a beautiful and functional smile in no time! If you do experience any hiccups along the way, our team is here to help. 

 

Thinking of getting dental implants? Schedule a consultation with us at Brisbane Implants. Our friendly team will assess if implants are the right choice for you, talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you might have. We’ll also be with you every step of the way to help you achieve a smile that makes you feel amazing and confident!