Dental implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line to replace missing teeth. Once implanted, they serve as artificial tooth roots onto which dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures can be securely attached.

When do we use dental implants?

Implants are used to replace missing teeth in situations where traditional methods like bridges or dentures are not suitable or desired. They are commonly used in the following scenarios:

• Single Tooth Replacement: When a single tooth is missing, an implant-supported crown can replace it without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Multiple Teeth Replacement: Implants can support bridges to replace several missing teeth in a row without the need for adjacent teeth to be involved.
• Full Arch Replacement: Implants can support dentures or full arch bridges to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, providing stability and preventing bone loss

How do I know if I need implants?

You may consider dental implants if you experience the following:

• Missing Teeth: If you have one or more missing teeth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons, implants can replace them.
• Difficulty Chewing: Missing teeth can make chewing difficult. If you struggle to eat certain foods due to tooth loss, implants can restore your ability to chew properly.
• Shifting Teeth: When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment. Implants can prevent this and maintain proper tooth alignment.
• Bone Loss: Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can affect facial appearance and oral health. Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing further bone loss.
• Loose Dentures: If you wear dentures and they feel loose or unstable, implant-supported dentures can provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
• Desire for Permanent Solution: Unlike bridges or dentures, implants are a permanent solution for tooth replacement that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

General procedure

During implant placement, a titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line to act as an artificial tooth root. Following this, a healing period, osseointegration, allows the implant to fuse with the bone over several months. Once fused, an abutment is attached to the implant, serving as a foundation for the replacement teeth. Finally, replacement teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures are securely affixed to the abutment, restoring function and aesthetics to your smile.

Before your implant appointment, communicate any medications, medical conditions, or recent surgeries with your dentist. Arrange transportation, follow medication instructions, and adhere to fasting guidelines if required. Wear comfortable clothing, maintain oral hygiene, and address any concerns with your dentist beforehand for a smooth procedure.

How long will the appointment be?

This procedure will take 3 appointments, not including any consults or follow up appointments.

• Appointment 1: The first appointment involving implant placement, can vary depending on complexity and the number of implants being placed. However, on average, a stage 1 appointment typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours per implant.
• Appointment 2: This appointment takes place approximately 6 months after the first, and involves abutment placement. It can vary depending on factors such as healing progress and the complexity of the case. However, on average, a stage 2 appointment typically lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour per implant.
• Appointment 3: This stage takes place approximately 2-3 weeks after the second appointment, and which involves prosthesis placement. It can vary based on the type of prosthesis and any additional adjustments needed. On average, a stage 3 appointment typically lasts between 15-30 mins.

What does the procedure look like?

Stage One:

• Implant Placement: During surgery, a titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone below the gum line to serve as an artificial tooth root for supporting replacement teeth. A healing cap, a small flat metal cap, is positioned on top of the implant post to protect it from bacteria. During the healing phase the gums may or may not cover this cap.
• Healing Period: Following implant placement, osseointegration occurs, where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months.
• Stage two: 6 months later
• Abutment Placement: If the gums have grown over the healing cap the dentist may have to make a small incision in the gums to expose and remove the healing cap. Once osseointegration finishes an abutment, which is a small connector, is attached to the implant, serving as the foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
• Impressions: After the abutment placement, impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-made prosthetic tooth or teeth that will attach to the abutment.
• Healing Period: Following abutment placement, there may be a brief healing period to allow the gums to heal around the abutment and create a proper seal.
• Stage 3: Two - three weeks later
• Final Prosthesis Placement: Once the abutment has fully healed and integrated with the surrounding tissues, the final prosthetic tooth or teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, are securely attached to the abutment. A cotton pellet is placed between the inner screw and the filling material used, this is to allow easier access to the crown in the future if it ever needs to be tightened.
• Fit and Alignment Check: Your dentist ensures the replacement tooth or teeth fit well and align properly with your existing teeth, making adjustments as necessary.

Will it hurt?

• Discomfort during a dental implant procedure can vary depending on factors like individual pain tolerance, the complexity of the procedure, and the techniques used. Typically, any discomfort is well-managed with local anesthesia or sedation during surgery.
• Post-surgery, patients may experience some soreness and swelling, which can be eased with pain medication and ice packs. Throughout the healing process, occasional mild discomfort may occur, usually alleviated with over-the-counter medication.
• After the initial surgery, dissolvable sutures are often used, which dissolve on their own over time, eliminating the need for a follow-up visit to remove them and allowing the surgical site to heal naturally.

Emergency

If you have any concerns, call the office. Your treatment is not complete until you are feeling comfortable and healing is well established. The office can be reached by phone at (519)763-1488

Pain and swelling

Pain may increase for up to 1 week following implant placements before starting to subside. Swelling will be greatest 2 days after surgery and may take up to 10 days or longer to subside. On the day of the surgery, apply ice packs to the surgical areas in 20 minute intervals, on and off. This will help decrease the swelling.

Prescription

Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Do not drive or consume alcohol while taking prescribed painkillers as the mixture can be extremely dangerous.

Bleeding

By the time you leave the office today, there should be no bleeding from the surgical site. Avoid sneezing and spitting as these actions may induce further bleeding.

Smoking

Smoking should be avoided for at least 5 days. The suction created from smoking can disrupt the healing and contribute to pain, continued bleeding, and infection.

Diet and Fluids

A soft diet is advised for the first few days. It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day, which can be taken as water, non-acidic fruit juices, or flat ginger ale. Avoid very hot drinks until the day after the surgery and avoid drinking through a straw during the healing process.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours after the implant placement. Following this, you may rinse with warm saltwater for up to a week. Avoid water irrigation devices during the healing process to prevent infection. When rinsing, avoid spitting as this creates pressure within the mouth and may cause further bleeding.

Healing Cap

A small metal healing cap has been placed on top of the implant to prevent food and bacteria entering the surgical site. Do not worry if the healing cap comes loose or falls out. Give our office a call to schedule an appointment so the cap can be reinserted.

Sutures

Gut sutures have been placed over the surgical sites. They will dissolve on their own and you are not required to come back for removal.

Next steps

A follow-up visit is usually arranged for approximately one week; contact the office to confirm your appointment. At this appointment, we will make sure the implant is stable and healing well. In approximately 4-5 months, we will book you an appointment to complete impressions for the final crown.