After Implant Placement

What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?

• Do nothing – Usually done for spaces that cannot be seen in your widest smile
• Flipper – Usually holds one or two temporary teeth on a bar, for show only
• Existing Denture – Can be modified to fit your gums while the implants heal
• Temporary Crown – Usually done in cosmetic areas for show only, a temporary crown is made slightly shorter than the final crown

What Are The Potential Problems?

We have had great success in our office and have managed to avoid the problems by using our Cone Beam CT technology. This simple CT allows us to locate the nerve and virtually plan the angulation, size and precise placement of the implant.

• Pain – The gums will feel the normal course of pain during the inflammatory process, typically 2-3 days.
• Nerve Damage – Rare due to Cone Beam CT technology, but retraction (pulling) of the gum tissue can also stretch the nerve. If you feel tingliness or complete numbness, please contact our office for further instructions.
• Infection or Mobility of the implant – This will cause a loss of the implant. It is important to avoid smoking and chewing directly on the implant while healing. Maintaining a basic hygiene routine of flossing, gentle brushing or rinsing two times a day will help avoid these problems.

How Long Will The Implants Last?

Implants usually last a lifetime when there is a BALANCED BITE and you should be able to fully function on them.

When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term respected studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate.

For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies (more than 10 years) show a success rate of greater than 95 percent compared to conventional root canal, crown and bridge procedures.

Peri- Implantitis is caused by bacterial build up and unbalanced stress on the crown (chewing surface) where the force is translated down the implant onto the bone. The bone reacts to this stress by resorbing, or going away. When this happens, gum pockets form, which causes bacteria to be trapped. This is when you feel the pain of inflammation.

To avoid this situation, the proper sized implant platform must be chosen PLUS a crown must be made to fit comfortably when you put all of your teeth together (bite). There should be no “high spots”.

When Are The Crowns Attached To The Implant?

The replacement teeth, or crowns, are attached to the implant only when adequate healing has occurred and your jaw bone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.

In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 4 to 6 months.

How Do I Clean My New Teeth to Prevent Bone Loss?

Your jaw bone is what holds your tooth roots and the implants stable. If there is poor hygiene, with either natural or implant supported teeth, then bacteria will build up and cause bone loss, gum loss and eventually, tooth and implant loss. It is so important that your at home care is done on a daily basis.

As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations with regular oral hygiene maintenance in order to prevent bacteria buildup:

• Floss with waxed dental floss at least before bedtime
• Brush your teeth (which includes your implant areas) as well as tongue with a soft toothbrush at least two times daily (once in the morning and once before bed)
• Rinse with over the counter zero alcohol Listerine daily or Chlorohexidine as prescribed
• Visit your dentist and hygienist for regular cleanings and checkups. Healthy gums play a major part in the success of your implant.
• Avoid acidic or sugary foods throughout the day, and hydrate well with water to help prevent such foods from sticking to the teeth and gums

As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Will One Doctor Do Everything?

Experience and training matters.

Dr. Hullett places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures, such as gum pocket reduction (which prevents bacteria build up) and bone grafting.

Your skilled dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth (implant supported crown, bridge, or denture).

Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. It is the same reasoning as building a strong, functioning house: A carpenter builds the frame, the plumber connects the pipes and the electrician wires the house.

How Much Does All Of This Cost?

Typical charges by our offices will include:

• consult
• x-rays (no charge if you bring your own 6 month old, clearly read Panorex, we can use it)
• Cone Beam CT (if needed)
• Implant
• Bone Grafting (if needed)
• Collagen Membrane grafting (if needed)
• sedation (if needed)
• abutment (if requested by your dentist)

  All of our charges are within the lower 10-25% of the ADA national fees for our zip code. There are no hidden or “extra” fees. There are many payment options available within our office to help you.

Charges by your restoring dentist are separate from our office and is dependent on your coverage.