After Implant Placement

After Implant Placement

What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?

How Long Will The Implants Last?

Implants can last a long time depending on patient hygiene and regular checks by your dentist. 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 doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals 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 highest success rates studied have shown waiting four months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw for adequate fusion of the implant to bone prior to placing teeth on the implants. 

The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. Most of the work involves making the new teeth before they are placed. After implant placement your appointments are more comfortable and pleasant as you get closer to tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.

Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. We will also make “bite” records so that we see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, we will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, we can use “off the shelf” abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. Which abutment to use is a decision that your restoring dentist will choose based on a case to case basis.

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. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, as few as three short appointments may be required. Between appointments, we will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. It is most beneficial that you keep all of your scheduled appointments.

If your final restoration is a removable denture, you will need to have as many as five office appointments (although it may be fewer) over the following several months with your restoring dentist.  During these appointments your dentist will perform a series of impressions and denture adjustments as needed. During this period, every effort will be made to ensure you have comfortable, temporary replacement teeth.

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.

Will One Doctor Do Everything?

Usually an oral surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – such as bone grafting.  Your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth.  Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Depending upon a variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.

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 and making your replacement teeth. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template that optimizes your treatment outcome.  Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs may incur additional charges at your restoring dentists office.

When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage or other third party payments.  Dental implants are an investment to your continued esthetics and function that effect everyday life.  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.