After Implant Placement

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.

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?

The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jaw bone 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.

The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. We will work in close association and coordination with your restorative dentist to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow your dentist to produce a replica of your mouth and the position of the implant(s). Your dentist will also make “bite” records so that  the relationship of your upper and lower jaws can be reproduced. With this information, the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants will be chosen. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, “off the shelf” abutments are used. Other times, custom abutments specifically for your situation must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. Which abutment to use is a decision that often cannot be made until after healing is complete and impressions have been made.

The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail.  It is most beneficial that you keep all of your scheduled appointments.

In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed in anywhere from 1 to 12 months. For these reasons, it is difficult to give you a specific timeframe for completion of your treatment.

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 may need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Will One Doctor Do Everything?

Typically the oral and maxillofacial surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures such as bone or tissue grafting – your restorative dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a variety of factors, other dental specialists may help with your dental care.