Implants are often used to restore function, for aesthetic reasons, or both. Various factors can impact whether implants are the best option such as:
- Preference of the patient
- Health of the patient
- Overall cost
- The location of the missing teeth or tooth
- The quality and amount of jawbone available where the implant would be placed
Dental implants tend to be the highest quality solution as they do not affect adjacent teeth and implants tend to look like the original teeth. There is also a much lower chance to develop any chewing problems that sometimes occur with dentures or bridges.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The time it takes to complete dental implant placement depends on the specific needs of the patient. Prior to placement surgery, we will start with a consultation to discuss the oral health of the patient, the dental implant placement surgery, cost, and any questions the patient may have. If the patient is ready to proceed, the placement surgery will involve the following steps:
- Our team of cosmetic dentists will prepare the dental implant site with local anesthetic.
- The titanium post of the dental implant gets placed into the bone.
- The gum gets sutured and the healing process begins.
- During the time of healing, the fusion of bone and metal occurs. This is a slightly vulnerable phase, and special attention and care to the placement site should be taken.
- The implant gets tested to see if the fusion was successful.
- If fusion was successful, a prosthetic tooth gets placed on the implant via a screw. This component, also called an “abutment”, will hold the replacement tooth.
Additional steps may be required depending on the placement of the tooth, or if there is not enough bone in the areas needed.
Post Dental Implant Procedure Instructions
Read the information below for a speedy and successful recovery after your dental implant procedure.
- NO SMOKING: Smoking is known to cause failure of dental implants.
- NO DRIVING or operating machinery for 12 hours following general anesthesia.
- Do not rinse the day you had surgery. The very following day, begin rinsing with warm salt water every 2-3 hours. Use ½ teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup of water.
- For the next 2 weeks, rinse with warm salt water after meals and at bedtime.
- Do not brush near the surgical site for the first couple of days.
- If a temporary tooth was placed on your dental implant today, it is very important that you do not bite on this tooth until your dentist has confirmed successful fusion.
- Do not wear dentures or partials until your doctor gives you permission
To minimize any pain, swelling, or tenderness while you recover, please read the following information.
- Resume a normal diet whenever you feel comfortable.
- Swelling may occur. Apply ice to the side of your face 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as frequently as you can for the first 48 hours. Frozen vegetable bags covered with dishtowels are very effective because they shape to your jaw.
- Switch to heat (a heating pad or hot water bottle) 48 hours after surgery
- We may prescribe medication: be sure to follow the instructions and take with food
- For minor discomfort, medication such as Tylenol or Advil will help
- Occasionally, the cover screw or healing abutment may loosen or fallout. This will not affect the stability of your implant. It is important, however, to call us as soon as possible, when this occurs, so we can replace it. Please bring the loosened component with you.
- Bruising may occur and is not uncommon. Bruising will disappear soon.
- Keep lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking
Dental Implant Specialists of Idaho Falls
The dental implant procedure rarely results in complications or unsuccessful implant placement. As long as patients have overall good health with a strong jaw bone, there should not be any issues throughout the surgery or dental implant healing process.
The team of Premier Dental is fully committed to providing patients with comfortable and positive experiences. We understand that each patient has unique and specific needs, and our team will work with you to provide the best dental health services in the Idaho Falls ID area. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or if you have any questions!
