Preparing for Dental Implants? Here’s What You Should Know

Dental implants are a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for those who are missing one or more teeth. Learn what to expect during implant placement and how to support your recovery from our top dental implant specialist in West San Jose.

Model of multiple dental implants from the top dental implant specialist in West San Jose

Around 40 million Americans are missing at least one tooth — a staggering statistic that highlights the widespread need for effective tooth replacement solutions. Thankfully, the days when missing teeth meant a lifetime of hiding your smile or dealing with the discomfort of ill-fitting dentures are long gone. Today, dental implants offer a solution that's not just cosmetic but also functional — allowing individuals to eat, speak, and laugh without hesitation. This advanced dental treatment is not only transforming smiles but also boosting self-esteem and improving the quality of life for millions of people. 

Unlike traditional dentures, implants provide a stable, long-lasting alternative that seamlessly integrates with your existing teeth. What's more, they require less maintenance than dentures and often prove to be a more comfortable solution for those seeking to restore the smile and improve the overall function of the mouth. 

Read on to discover if dental implants are right for you and what to expect when you see the top dental implant specialist in West San Jose.

How to Know if Dental Implants Are Right for You 

Dental implants are an excellent solution for most people with one or more missing teeth — but they're not suitable for everyone. The ideal candidate for dental implants should have good overall health, healthy gums, and adequate bone density in their jaw to support the implant. Age isn't typically a limiting factor, but certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease, may affect your eligibility. 

Lifestyle factors like smoking can also impact the success rate of implants, so it’s important to quit for your health and to protect your investment if you choose implants. Additionally, you should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups — these are important to ensure proper maintenance of your implants, as well as to ensure your natural teeth and gums remain in good health. 

What is Dental Implant Surgery Like? 

Getting dental implants typically involves several stages spread out over a few months. Initially, your dentist will assess your oral health and may perform any necessary preparatory procedures, such as a bone graft, if you don’t have enough jawbone in the location where your dental implant will be placed. 

If you have sufficient bone already, the first step in dental implant surgery involves placing the implant itself — a small titanium post — into your jawbone. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with your bone in a process called osseointegration.

Once the osseointegration phase is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, which will hold the artificial tooth. Finally, a custom-made dental crown is placed on the abutment, completing your new tooth. While the process can be lengthy, most patients report minimal discomfort, often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Local anesthesia is used during the surgical steps, and dental sedation options are available for anxious patients.

How to Prepare for Dental Implants

Preparing for dental implants involves several important steps. The first of which is scheduling a comprehensive dental examination, including dental X-rays and 3D dental imaging, to assess your oral health and bone structure. After determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the process begins with completing pre-implant treatments, such as addressing gum disease or performing bone grafting, if needed. Additionally, if you smoke, it is important to try to quit or significantly reduce your tobacco use, as smoking can impair healing and reduce the success of your implants.

Leading up to your implant surgery day, you should follow your dentist's recommendations for preparing for surgery — this includes discussing any medications you're taking with your dentist, as some may need to be adjusted before the procedure. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery — especially if your dentist plans to use dental sedation. 

Lastly, plan to eat soft foods for the days following the implant placement, prepare your home for a comfortable recovery period, and take some time off work or other activities to rest and heal properly.

Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling of your gums, bruising inside the mouth, and minor bleeding. These are all normal and typically subside within a few days. Your dentist will provide specific post-operative instructions, including how to care for the surgical site, what foods to eat, and how to manage any discomfort. Most patients can control pain with over-the-counter medications. You can expect recovery from dental implant surgery to take around seven to ten days. During the weeks and months to follow, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the implant is healing properly. 

We understand that the idea of dental implant surgery can be intimidating for many patients. That's why our practice prioritizes providing a compassionate and informative environment, carefully guiding you through each stage of the implant process with expertise. Our advanced facilities are designed to enhance your comfort and reassure you throughout your treatment journey.

At Pries Dental Care, we focus on the latest implant techniques, including same-day implants and full-arch restorations. Dr. Gus Pries leads a talented team of dental professionals dedicated to not only restoring your smile but also boosting your confidence and quality of life. By merging extensive experience with cutting-edge implant technology, we aim to achieve outstanding results that endure over time.

Ready to transform your smile with the best dental implant specialist in West San Jose?

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Highest Rated Dentist in San Jose

Marie G.

I have been going to Pries Dental for the past thirteen years, and absolutely love the whole staff and their kindness and professionalism. I've always hated going to the Dentist in the past, but my experience here has been nothing but pleasant.

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Our Dental Office in San Jose

Location & Hours

Pries Dental Care

General, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
4110 Moorpark Ave
Suite C
San Jose, CA 95117
(408) 260-0200
info@priesdental.com
Monday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 1:00pm
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