Dental implants are the ultimate solution to missing teeth. The procedure itself is generally quick and easy, but it takes time for your implants to heal.
Before surgery begins, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam. This will include taking X-rays and 3D images, as well as reviewing your medical history.
Pre-Operative Procedures
In order to ensure a smooth, successful surgical experience, there are a few pre-operational procedures that patients should follow. These include wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and avoiding certain foods that may interfere with the procedure. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of all medications, supplements, and allergies to the oral surgeon or dentist. 동탄치과
Most importantly, patients should arrange for transportation to and from their appointment because they won’t be able to drive themselves home following the surgery. This is especially important for patients who will be sedated during their surgery.
Finally, it’s important to adhere to a strict oral hygiene regimen in the weeks leading up to the surgery to prevent infection at the implant sites. Optimal oral care will help preserve the longevity of your All-on-4 dental implants and will ensure a healthy, radiant smile for years to come. Be sure to schedule regular follow-up appointments as well. These provide an opportunity for your oral surgeon to assess your recovery and address any questions or concerns promptly.
Surgery
Dental implant surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, but some people may experience discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. This is normal and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
During the surgical procedure, the surgeon opens your gums to expose the bone in the area where the missing tooth used to be. The implant post is then placed into the bone and the gum is stitched closed.
The implant post then fuses with the surrounding bone, in a process called Osseointegration. This takes a few months, but it makes the implant strong enough to support a new restoration.
Post-Operative Procedures
The first two days after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable. Swelling is also common and may be most noticeable at the surgical site. A soft, nutritious diet should be started as soon as the local anesthetic wears off. Avoid hot or crunchy foods, and do not chew directly over the implant sites.
Biting on a clean, moist piece of gauze will help form a blood clot over the implant site and control bleeding. This is necessary for healing. Do not rinse or spit, as this can wash the clot away and cause bleeding.
Begin rinsing gently with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 ounces of warm water) the day after your procedure. This will reduce bacteria and promote healing. Continue rinsing twice daily, but be gentle around the surgical site. If you have pain that persists despite taking medication or if the area becomes irritated, call our office. It is normal to feel small slivers of bone with your tongue, but these will work themselves out during the week following surgery.
Maintenance
Regular oral hygiene habits play a huge role in preventing dental implant related problems. These issues are not only costly but can have a serious impact on the overall health of the implant and surrounding teeth and tissue. For instance, improper cleaning of the implant site could lead to gum inflammation (mucositis) that may eventually damage the bone and tissue around the implant and cause it to fail.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also vital, especially during the initial stages of healing. A soft food diet is recommended, and as the healing process progresses, reintroducing more foods should be done gradually to prevent irritation of the surgical site.
Lastly, patients should attend routine visits for professional cleanings and examinations. Our hygienists will carefully clean around the implants to prevent bacterial buildup and gum disease, and we will monitor the implant surface for any changes that can indicate a potential problem. We will also take X-rays and compare them to previous radiographs to evaluate the condition of the implant’s surrounding bone. 임플란트 치과