After Dental Implant Placement FAQ
What can I use for teeth while my implants are healing?
What are the potential problems after dental implant surgery?
It is understandable to have concerns about discomfort following dental implant surgery. Fortunately, most patients do not experience severe or significant pain after the procedure. We may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help support a comfortable and smooth recovery.
In some cases, a post-operative infection may develop and require additional antibiotic treatment. Although every effort is made to place implants accurately and safely, nearby teeth can occasionally be affected during implant placement.
Another possible complication involves the nerve located in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to the lower lip and chin. When there is significant bone loss, placing an implant without approaching the nerve area can sometimes be challenging. Although great care is taken to protect the nerve, irritation can occasionally occur, leading to tingling, numbness, or reduced sensation in the lip, chin, or tongue.
These changes in sensation often improve over time, although in rare cases they may become permanent or painful. If you experience numbness after surgery, please inform our office as soon as possible so we can determine the most appropriate way to manage your care.
How long will the implants last?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term tooth replacement. In patients who have lost all of their teeth, long-term studies extending beyond 30 years have reported success rates of approximately 80 to 90 percent.
For patients replacing one or several missing teeth, more recent studies have shown success rates above 95 percent. These results compare favorably with other types of implant treatment used elsewhere in the body, including hip and knee replacements.
In some situations, however, an implant may fail to heal properly or may become loose over time. If this occurs, the implant may need to be removed. Once the area has healed, another implant can generally be placed, and in some cases a replacement implant may be inserted at the time the original one is removed.
When are the replacement teeth attached to the implant?
Replacement teeth are generally connected to dental implants after sufficient healing has taken place and the surrounding jawbone has firmly integrated with the implant. However, depending on your individual circumstances, restoration may be started immediately or soon after implant placement.
Your dental team will explain the treatment sequence and recommend the appropriate timing based on your specific needs.
Completing the restorative portion of implant treatment requires careful planning and precision. Much of this stage involves designing and creating your new teeth before they are attached to the implants. Appointments are generally comfortable and, in many cases, can be completed without local anesthesia.
The restorative process begins with specialized impressions of your mouth and implants. Bite records are also taken to determine how your upper and lower jaws relate to one another. This information is used to create the abutments, or support posts, that connect the replacement teeth to your implants.
Different types of abutments are available. In many cases, standard or “off-the-shelf” abutments can be used. In other situations, a custom abutment may be necessary. These may be made from gold or tooth-colored ceramic materials. Custom abutments can increase both treatment time and cost. The most suitable type of abutment is often determined after the implant has healed and the necessary impressions have been completed.
The number of appointments and the length of each visit will vary from patient to patient. Every implant case is unique, and all restorative work must be completed with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
If only a small number of teeth are being replaced, the restorative process may require as few as three relatively short appointments. Laboratory work is usually completed between visits to prepare your replacement teeth. Keeping all scheduled appointments is important for achieving the best possible result.
If your final restoration will be a removable denture, you may need up to five office visits over the following several months, although some patients may require fewer visits. During these appointments, we may take a series of impressions and bite records and make adjustments to create your replacement teeth. We may also fabricate custom support components such as bars, snaps, magnets, or clips to help secure the denture to the implants.
Throughout this process, we will make every effort to provide you with comfortable temporary replacement teeth.
In general, the complete tooth replacement treatment may take anywhere from 1 to 12 months after your implants are placed. Because every treatment plan is different, it can be difficult to determine the exact cost and duration of the restorative phase in advance. Our office will provide you with a reasonable estimate, and a more specific completion timeline can usually be established once your implants are ready to be restored.
How do I clean my new teeth?
Implant-supported replacement teeth should be cleaned regularly, much like natural teeth. This typically includes brushing, flossing, and using any additional cleaning aids recommended by your dental professional.
Regular dental visits are also important. You should generally see your dentist several times each year for professional cleaning, examination, and implant maintenance.
Like natural teeth, dentures, and other dental restorations, implants and their supporting components can experience normal wear over time. Eventually, maintenance or repairs may be necessary, including replacement of clips, denture relining, screw tightening, or other adjustments.
Will one doctor do everything?
Usually, more than one dental professional is involved in implant treatment. A dental surgeon typically performs the implant placement and any other necessary surgical procedures, while your general dentist is responsible for creating and fitting the temporary and permanent replacement teeth.
Both doctors work together when planning your treatment. Depending on your individual circumstances, other dental specialists may also participate in different stages of your care.
How much does dental implant treatment cost?
Before treatment begins, we will make every effort to provide an estimate of the expected costs associated with your implant treatment and replacement teeth.
There may be an initial fee for diagnostic procedures, which can include study models, X-rays, and the creation of a surgical guide or template designed to help achieve accurate implant placement.
Additional costs may include the implant abutment or support post, as well as the crown, denture, bridge, or other restoration attached to the implants. Temporary restorations may also involve additional fees.
Ongoing maintenance can create additional costs as well. These may include professional hygiene appointments, tissue conditioners, denture relines, repairs, or other necessary adjustments.
When multiple doctors or dental specialists are involved, each provider may charge separately for their services. We will do our best to help you understand your expected out-of-pocket expenses after reviewing your insurance coverage or other available third-party benefits.
It is also important to consider the overall financial investment associated with each treatment option, as some insurance plans offer limited coverage for dental implants or may not cover them at all.
Every patient has different needs, and it is not possible to address every treatment option, circumstance, or possible outcome on a general website. The information provided here is intended to give you a better understanding of the general treatment options available.
If you have questions about your individual treatment plan or are unsure which options may be right for you, please contact our office. We will be happy to discuss your dental care and answer your questions.