After Dental Implant Placement
What Can I Use for Teeth While the Dental 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. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present complete denture. Depending on your particular situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth can be placed on, or shortly after, the day the implant is placed.
How Long Will the Dental 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).
When are the Replacement Teeth Attached to the Dental Implant?
The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jawbone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.
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.
Will One Doctor do Everything?
Usually, a oral surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment.
Home Care for Dental Implant Surgery
At Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we want you to have the best experience possible with your dental implants. Please follow these important home care instructions from your Surgeon following your surgery.
Do Not Disturb
Be careful not to disturb or touch your surgical wound. You will notice a metal abutment extending up from your gums – this is normal. Do not rinse or spit aggressively on the day of surgery. It is very important to keep the site undisturbed for the first 24-48 hours to ensure optimal healing.
Pain Control
As soon as anesthesia begins to wear off at home, you should start to take pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol and ibuprofen should be used for mild or moderate pain. If severe pain persists, please follow the prescribed medicine plan given to you in our office. Keep in mind, do not take multiple medications at the same time unless advised by us to do so. Do not drive or work with machinery and avoid alcohol while using prescription pain medication. Any unused prescriptions should be returned to the pharmacy for proper disposal once you are feeling better.
Post-Op Bleeding
Bleeding is to be expected for up to 24 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding, bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues after that, please call our office.
Swelling and Ice
Swelling is normal and can be minimized by applying ice (covered in a towel to protect the skin) to the outer cheek. Apple ice for the first few days for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
Rinsing after Implant Surgery
The day after your surgery, you should rinse with our prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash very gently twice, each time for 30 seconds. It is also important to rinse with warm salt water (dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) four to five times a day, especially after eating.
Eating after Dental Implant Surgery
At first, focus on drinking plenty of room temperature or slightly warm fluids. Then you may gradually add in soft foods at a pace that feels right to you. Avoid straws for several days.
Antibiotics
If you were prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them all until they are complete.
We are here to answer any questions you may have about your recovery or the dental implant process.
Call our office with questions or to book an online appointment.