What to expect from your Implant placement appointment...

Implants replace missing teeth.  They are fixed in place and look and feel like natural teeth. They restore esthetics and chewing ability to a great degree, AND you maintain them just like you would your natural teeth. Best of all they are not as expensive as they used to be (they now cost less than dentures!)

Before your appointment, rest well, have a nourishing meal 1.5-2 hours prior and take your meds as prescribed. Arrive 15 minutes early and bring your favorite music or blanket—anything that would make you feel comfortable. 

Your dentist will make sure your health is stable and that you will not feel any pain during the procedure. You'll see many equipment and tools necessary for placing your implant. Overall, the procedure takes 30-60 minutes, longer if you chose to place multiple implants in one visit (=1 surgery, 1 healing,1 recovery)

After your implant is placed, you need to limit physical activity for 24-48 hours, take your meds as prescribed and limit heavy/frequent rinsing and disturbing the site as much as possible. You will be advised to chew soft foods on the other side. For most people, the discomfort is mild and only noticeable for the first week.

It takes 4-6 months for implants to heal before the permanent tooth can be put in place. That being said, 90% of the time, you have the option of restoring esthetics with a temporary tooth during the healing period and you never have to go without a tooth. 

In this day and age, the possibilities are endless, you just have to pick what suits you best.