The initial step in the implant process involves placing the implant itself. During this procedure, a small titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone and gums, where it will serve as a replacement tooth root once it fully heals. Dr. Khanani will utilize x-rays and digital imaging to precisely plan the implant's placement. After the healing period, the implant will provide a stable foundation for a dental crown.

Once your implant has fully healed and the permanent crown is in place, caring for it is similar to maintaining a natural tooth. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Additionally, it's important to visit Dr. Khanani for regular cleanings and check-ups every six months to ensure the health of your implant and overall oral hygiene.

Once you're approved for dental implants, our dentist in Sterling, MA will take x-rays and images of your mouth and face to design a customized plan for implant placement. During your next visit, the implant will be inserted.

The procedure begins with cleaning and numbing the treatment area, along with administering sedation. A small incision is made in the gums and jawbone to accurately place the implant. Afterward, the area is cleaned, disinfected, and sutured.

Your mouth will require 3-6 months to heal, allowing the implant to integrate with the jawbone. During this time, follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your healing and take impressions for crafting your dental crown.

Once healing is complete and your dental crown is ready, you’ll return for the final appointment. The crown will be securely attached to the implant, giving you a fully restored, natural-looking tooth.

If you're missing one or more teeth and have good overall oral health, you could be an ideal candidate for dental implants. During your consultation, Dr. Khanani will assess the health of your gums and teeth to ensure your mouth is ready for an implant. Contact our team today to learn more about the procedure and take the first step toward restoring your smile.

Implant surgery is typically not painful, as we administer a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. During the surgery, your mouth will be numb, and you may also be prescribed pain medication to ensure comfort afterward. Once the anesthetic wears off, you might experience some mild discomfort or tenderness, which can be managed with anti-inflammatory pain relievers as recommended by your dentist. Applying a cold compress for 15 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours can help minimize swelling.

After your surgery, Dr. Khanani will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your mouth heals properly. Most patients typically recover from the initial implant placement surgery within about two weeks.

However, the osseointegration process, where the dental implant fuses with the jawbone, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant cannot be restored with a crown or false tooth.

Immediately after your procedure, you may not feel any discomfort, but once the sedation wears off, the implant site could become tender or painful. If prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. Otherwise, over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve or Tylenol can help, along with the application of an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.

For the first week following your implant placement, stick to a soft food diet and avoid brushing the implant area directly for 24-48 hours. You can use a saltwater rinse to clean the area and start gently brushing around the implant site after 2-3 days.

For the first 2-3 days, avoid strenuous physical activity, and focus on resting while you heal. Swelling, bruising, bleeding, and pain are common and may peak around 72 hours after surgery but should start to improve within a week.

By the end of the two-week mark, most patients experience minimal discomfort, and your mouth should feel close to normal. At this point, you may have a follow-up appointment with us to ensure everything is healing properly.

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for restoring your smile, often lasting 30 years or more with proper care. They are the most durable option for enhancing both your smile and your overall oral health. However, the restoration attached to your implant, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to normal wear from chewing and biting. The longevity of your restoration can vary based on the type used and individual factors specific to each patient.

Many patients are candidates for dental implants without the need for a bone graft. A bone graft is only required if there isn’t enough jawbone density to support the implant. This situation can arise due to factors such as tooth loss, trauma, gum disease, or certain medical conditions. Without sufficient bone tissue, the implant may not succeed.

During the osseointegration process, the implant must fuse with the jawbone to create a solid foundation. If there is inadequate bone mass, this fusion cannot occur as needed. In such cases, a bone graft can be used to enhance the height and width of the jawbone around the implant area.

Bone grafts are a crucial solution for patients who may not qualify for dental implants due to insufficient jawbone density.

To ensure a smooth recovery after dental implant surgery, it's important to stick to a soft food diet and avoid hot foods and beverages. In the first week, stay away from hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and soup.

Focus on consuming soft, easy-to-eat foods like smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, jello, and pudding. As your recovery progresses, you can gradually introduce more textured foods, but avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for a few months, or until your dentist gives the go-ahead.

Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like potatoes, pasta, and eggs into your diet. During the healing period, steer clear of spicy and acidic foods. Additionally, avoid using straws or chewing on the side of your mouth where the implant is placed.

If you're concerned about bone loss due to missing teeth, dental implants could be the solution. Contact Khanani Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salman Khanani.