Dental Implants: A Way to Restore Your Smile

Losing a tooth is a big deal. Not only will it affect a person's body image and self-esteem, it could also have an impact on one's speech, ability to chew, and smile. Gone are the days when you can effortlessly bite into an apple, join conversations without being awkward, and pose confidently in front of a camera. Luckily, oral surgeons have a way to restore the smile you once had: dental implants.

Dental implants are tooth replacements that look and function like real teeth. They are usually made of titanium and covered with either a bridge or a porcelain crown. This extremely beneficial dental technology does not decay, and are stain resistant. Aside from that, they are convenient, and very easy to clean and maintain.

Once a dental implant is installed, it can last for a lifetime, especially if you properly and diligently care for it. That said, it is vital that you adhere to good oral hygiene practices after a dental implant surgery. This means you'll need to brush and floss regularly. You may also need to have professional dental cleaning once every six months, depending on the recommendation of your dentist.

If you believe that a dental implant is the ideal solution for your tooth loss problem, talk to a dental implant specialist. He will assess your oral and dental condition to confirm if implants are indeed the best option for you.

Ways to Speed Up Healing After Oral Surgery

Oral surgery might be a dreadful thought for many, but the truth remains that it is often the best way to keep bacteria and disease from threatening your teeth, and to restore them to their former glory. However, if you're scheduled to go under the knife soon, it's only natural for you to feel anxious. Hence, to help ease your fear, take note of these steps that you can take to ensure a speedy recovery:

You could try gargling with saltwater after every meal, once in the morning and once before bedtime, since this serves to minimize the pain that post-surgery gum inflammation can cause. Keep the proportion to approximately ½ tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of warm water.

Don't use your ordinary toothbrush soon after oral surgery. Instead, buy a soft-bristled brush and use this for a few days to weeks, depending on the expected recovery time for your procedure or the orders of your doctor. When brushing, avoid the tooth and gum area where the procedure was done. Too much movement and pressure could dislodge implants, crowns, or fillings.

A great recovery tip would be to stay in touch with your dental surgeon even after the surgery, so as to report any untoward reactions or side effects that might occur and delay the healing process even further. Moreover, never take any painkiller (or any other medication for that matter) that your doctor did not directly prescribe for you.