What Can I Use for Teeth While The Implants Heal?

There are several options for temporary replacement teeth, and your oral surgeon can talk with you about the options best suited for your needs. Often, temporary replacement teeth or removable bridges can be made for you to use while your implants heal. For patients who are missing all their teeth, we can often modify a current denture or create a temporary new denture.

Depending on your situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth can be placed on the same day as the surgery.

What Are The Potential Problems After Dental Implant Surgery?

It is understandable to be concerned about pain or discomfort following dental implant surgery. However, most patients experience little or no discomfort following their surgery. For those who do require a pain management solution, both pain medications and antibiotics may be prescribed.

Occasionally, a post-surgical infection may develop, requiring additional treatment via antibiotics.

Some patients may have healthy, adjacent teeth slightly damaged during the implant placement process. There is also an outside chance of the nerves in your lower jaw being impacted. This issue is most common among patients who are missing a lot of lower jawbone. Our oral surgeons will take great care to place the implants in a way that avoids damage to the surrounding areas.

How Long Will The Implants Last?

Implants are made to last a long time and can have up to a 90% success rate. Studies show that, among patients missing all their teeth, dental implants usually last for more than 30 years. For patients who only need to replace a single tooth, the success rate can be even higher.

If one of your implants fails to heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. Once the incision site heals, it is usually possible to have a new implant placed.

When Are The Replacement Teeth Attached To The Implant?

Replacement teeth are typically added when the implant is fully healed and securely fused to the jawbone. For some patients, it may be possible to begin this phase of treatment either during or shortly after the initial implant placement surgery.

The dental work needed to complete your treatment is typically very complicated. New teeth must be made and customized to fit your smile. This begins with impressions being made of your mouth. “Bite records” are also created to demonstrate the relationship between upper and lower jaws. This information is all essential for making the abutments, which are the connective pieces that attach your implants to the replacement teeth.

There are various types of abutments that we might use, including “off the shelf” abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or tooth-colored ceramic material. Naturally, customized abutments can look better but also add to the overall cost of your treatment.

The total number of appointments you will need, along with the duration of each appointment, can vary from patient to patient. Patients with fewer implants may require fewer total appointments. The important thing is that the dental restoration process is completed with precision and attention to detail. Those who have a permanent denture placed on their implants will likely need five or more total appointments. These appointments are crucial to making your new teeth, as well as the custom support bars, snaps, magnets, or clips that will secure your teeth to the implants.

smilecouple“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?

Dental implants can be cleaned just as you would clean your natural teeth with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Additionally, routine dental appointments are necessary to ensure the ongoing health and vitality of your replacement teeth. 

Your dentures and related components will take on regular wear and tear and, as such, may eventually require tweaks and adjustments. This may include clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Will One Doctor Do Everything?

Typically, the oral surgeon will place your implants and take care of any other surgical procedures, including bone grafting. Your regular dentist will position temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both providers will be closely involved with developing your treatment plan.

How Much Does Dental Implant Treatment Cost?

We will provide our best estimate before your treatment begins. There may be an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, X-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure optimal results. Your total costs will also encompass the abutment or support post(s), plus the crown, dentures, or anything else that will be placed over the implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance visits may contribute to the cost, as well.

When different doctors are involved in your treatment, such as your regular dentist, they will bill you separately for their services. We are happy to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we assess your insurance coverage.

Schedule Your Consultation

For any other questions about dental implant placement, please contact Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (251) 990-5959.