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Dr. Chaudhry is proud to offer dental implants at Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery & Implant Center. As the most advanced and effective restoration available, it makes sense that our patients would have questions about this procedure. We’ve kept track of many of the most common questions we receive and have compiled them on this page to help you understand more about dental implants and decide if they’re the treatment for you.
Why Choose a Dental Implant Restoration?
Dental implants are considered to be the ‘gold’ standard of tooth replacement treatments. Their ability to restore your smile in a natural-looking manner, without the consequences of slipping out of place like a denture, is worth every ounce of the dental implant investment. An implant is permanent, easy to care for, and once placed, resembles your natural teeth. The dental implant end result of a beautiful smile is extraordinary.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Include?
You may be surprised to learn that the dental implant process is actually pain-free. Since we use anesthesia during the surgeries, you can expect the overall treatment to be comfortable. Simply communicate with Dr. Chaudhry during and after the procedure about extra guidelines to follow once dental implant placement has been completed.
Can I Upgrade to Dental Implants If I Have Dentures?
As long as you have adequate jawbone and no other dental problems, then yes, you can upgrade your previous restoration to a new set of dental implants. In fact, it’s fairly common for patients who grow tired of their uncomfortable or ill-fitting dentures to ask about upgrading to dental implants.
Do Dental Implants Work for Children?
Children’s jaws are still growing and may continue to do so all the way until their early 20’s. Since dental implant surgery requires a stable jawbone, it’s best to wait until adulthood to receive a dental implant restoration for missing teeth.
Is Every Dentist Qualified to Provide Dental Implants?
While it has not yet been recognized as one of the nine specialties in dentistry, implant dentistry is a highly advanced field that requires special schooling. For example, Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry studied at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, completed a 6-year oral and maxillofacial residency at the State University of Stony Brook in New York, and he even teaches seminars on dental implant surgery. It’s important to ask the necessary questions to ensure that your dentist is qualified.
How Will I Know if I’m a Candidate for Dental Implants?
During the consultation, Dr. Chaudhry will evaluate whether dental implants may be the right tooth restoration for you. If you have insufficient jawbone density, a dental implant will have to wait until it strengthens through natural means or by having one of our supplemental procedures. Our practice offers bone grafts and soft tissue augmentations that can give patients the bone mass they need and restore their eligibility.
What Type of Post-Operative Care Do Dental Implants Require?
Immediately after getting a dental implant, there are specific routine practices you’ll want to adopt. Cleaning is the most important element to ensure the permanence of your dental implant. Brush your teeth the night of surgery with a gentle toothbrush. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times per day is also recommended. Try not to disturb the surgical areas. Apply ice if needed, and rest cannot be over-emphasized after implant placement surgery.
Can I Resume My Regular Activities After Implant Placement?
Yes! If you’re feeling up to the activities you naturally enjoy, by all means, go for it. However, the first 48 hours are the most pivotal after dental implant placement so you’ll want to be aware of your energy. Since the dental implant process is over the course of several months, it’s best to have Dr. Chaudhry monitor your progress. Also, and immediately following implant surgery, you may not have sufficient reserves to return to your normal activities, as recovery is different for everyone. But once your beautiful smile is ready for the world, activities can be enjoyed with full confidence.
How Can I Learn Whether Dental Implants Are Right For Me?
The first step on your dental implants journey is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chaudhry. This is the time to bring your dental history as well as any questions you have about the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Chaudhry will examine your oral health, discuss your options, and develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to get started on the path to a new set of dental implants!