INNOVATION
After Implant Placement
What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?
Many options are available, and they are tailored to your specific requirements. If you need a replacement tooth while the implants are healing, temporary removable teeth or a temporary bridge can be made by your general dentist. If all of your teeth are missing, your general dentist can usually modify your present complete denture or make you a new temporary denture.
What Are The Potential Problems?
Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Occasionally, some people develop post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment. Even though great care is taken to place the implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. In addition, there is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected. If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve, occasionally it is irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin or tongue. Usually these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.
Diet restrictions will apply with your Implant. Avoid chewing on the implant site until your general dentist has placed your final restoration (crown). Throughout the life of your implant, pop corns and certain nuts should be avoided as they have the potential for their shell/husk to irritate the implant site.
How Long Will The Implants Last?
Implants usually last a long time. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees). However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant usually can be placed.
When Are The Replacement Teeth Attached To The Implant?
Your general dentist will create and complete your implant crown(s) for you. In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 1 to 9 months. We work closely with your general dentist so that everyone working on your case is aware of the timeline. Make sure you have discussed financing and how many visits will be necessary to complete your restorations with your general dentist.
Dental implants are the most technologically advanced and longest lasting tooth replacement option available. Restore your confidence… Smile, Eat and Enjoy!
How Do I Clean My New Teeth?
As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
How Much Does All Of This Cost?
Before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants in our office. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, CT scans or x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result.
Both the general dentist and our office will be involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for these services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your payments will be, in our office, after we evaluate your insurance. Your general dentist should be able to supply you with a similar estimate for the restorative aspect of your treatment with their office. Also, you should consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option as some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage.
Each patient is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This information is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.
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