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. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present complete denture or make you a new temporary denture. If you would prefer non-removable teeth during the healing phase, we can consider this option
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. Rarely, 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 10 year 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 can be complex. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth in a dental lab before they are placed into your mouth. Your appointments are considered more comfortable and more pleasant than previous methods of tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.
Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow your dentist to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. They will also make “bite” records so that the relationship of your upper and lower jaws is recorded. With this information, it is possible to make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. 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. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, as few as three short appointments may be required. Between appointments, adequate time is needed to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. 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 started after 3 to 4 months and completed within 1 to 3 months. It is difficult for us to tell you exactly how much the restorative phase of your treatment will cost, although you should be able to receive a reasonable estimate from your dentist’s office. It also is difficult to give you a specific timeframe for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.
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 periodontist or 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 dental surgeon(periodontist) places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures. Your general dentist or a prosthodontist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, 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 most cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result. In our office we will provide the most accurate cost estimate possible for all phases of the surgical portion of the treatment. Your restorative dentist will need to provide estimates of cost for all phases of placing the teeth or dentures onto the implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs will also incur additional charges.
When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in determining the amount your insurance will reimburse you for our portion of your implant treatment. 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 website section 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.
