If you’ve been looking for a permanent replacement for missing teeth, dental implants may be the ideal solution. When it comes to choosing a skilled, compassionate oral surgeon, Baraboo residents turn to Dr. Erich Herbst and Dr. Steven K. Anderson at Oral Surgery Center SC for the highest quality care. These highly experienced surgeons specialize in the least invasive methods for all procedures, including bone grafting and implants. These methods reduce the risk of complications during surgery and making it easier to recover.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is surgically added to the jawbone and a replacement tooth that is bonded to an exposed portion of the post. Compared to other tooth replacement methods, like dentures and fixed bridges, dental implants are very secure and won’t compromise your ability to speak clearly or eat.

Dental implants often require two surgical procedures; the titanium posts are placed during the first procedure and allowed to heal and bond with the surrounding bone for up to six months, at which point the permanent tooth replacements are placed on the posts. The surgery is time intensive, but it greatly improves patients’ quality of life.

Preparing For & Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery

Preparation

Your oral surgeon will take a comprehensive set of X-rays and molds of your mouth to get a better understanding of your particular needs. The X-rays will be used to determine the number and placement of the implants, as well as the overall health of the surrounding bone. The molds will be used to create your custom tooth replacements.

During your preparation appointment, be sure to find out whether you will be under a general or local anesthetic. If you will be receiving a general anesthetic, remember to stop eating and drinking eight to 12 hours prior to your scheduled surgery. You will also need someone to drive you back home after a procedure done under general anesthesia.

Recovery

If your oral surgeon has prescribed pain medication and antibiotics, be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully to minimize discomfort and the risk of infection. You can expect to see swelling for up to 10 days after your surgery; you may also experience some minor bleeding during that time which can be treated by biting on packed gauze.

As your new dental implants bond with the surrounding bone, remember to adhere to a soft foods diet until your surgeon tells you that you can switch back to your normal diet. Continuing your regular oral hygiene routine is essential during the recovery process because it promotes faster gum healing.

Visit Oral Surgery Center SC online to learn more about Drs. Herbst and Anderson and their minimally invasive surgical techniques. You will also find important patient registration forms on their website. Call (608) 356-2112 to schedule an appointment.