After Dental Implant Placement

What Do You Use for Teeth While Your Implants Heal?

There are several options for temporary teeth after dental implant surgery. Dr. James Mata will choose the best option for the type of implants you have and your requirements. This may be temporary, removable teeth or a temporary bridge. Sometimes we can modify your current denture or provide you with a new temporary denture. Same-day temporary teeth are also an option that can be fastened to your implants the day of, or shortly after, implant surgery.

What is Healing Like After Dental Implant Placement?

After your surgery, you will return home to recover. Focus on rest and staying hydrated for the first 48 hours. Relax, keep your head elevated, and follow the instructions we provide. You will have pain and swelling the first three days, but it can be easily controlled with pain medications and ice packs. By the end of the week, you should have only minor bruising, and the pain should be gone. There may be some mild tenderness remaining. Most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by the minimal nature of their pain.

For the first week, a soft food diet is required, and you must avoid alcohol, smoking, and anything that would create suction, such as drinking from a straw. You will gradually be able to add firmer foods as you heal. Once your permanent restorations are in place, you can eat anything you like.

Potential Problems After Dental Implant Placement

There are expected issues after dental implant placement, such as mild to moderate pain for a few days. Most patients do not experience significant pain. We prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery. Although rare, infection is possible after surgery and is treated with an additional round of antibiotics.

Occasionally an adjacent tooth may be injured during the placement of an implant. In rare cases, the nerve in the lower jaw may be damaged, affecting sensation in the chin and lower lip. Dr. Mata has decades of experience in the precision placement of implants in the lower jaw. However, this nerve can be irritated if your jawbone is thin. The result may be tingling or numbness, which should resolve in time. If you experience these sensations, please notify our office as soon as possible so we can provide appropriate treatment.

Expected Success Rate of Your Implants

Now that your implant surgery is complete, you are likely looking to the future. Rest assured, your implants will serve you well for years to come! Long-term studies show an 80 to 90 percent success rate for patients over 30 years when replacing all their teeth with dental implants. The success rate is 95% for patients who replace one or several teeth. For most individuals getting dental implants, this translates to a lifetime of eating, drinking, and speaking with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Replacement Teeth

Replacement teeth are attached to your implants after the dental implants have fused with the jawbone and established a firm foundation for the replacement teeth. Healing usually takes a few months, but a temporary prosthesis can often be attached while the implants heal. During this phase, a soft food diet is required.

You will need to see Dr. Mata for a few appointments during this time to begin the restorative phase of your treatment. Impressions are taken of your mouth so we can determine the appropriate abutments to use to attach your implants to the restorations. These may be standard “off-the-shelf” abutments or custom abutments made or materials such as ceramic, gold, or titanium. Your dentist or prosthodontist will also craft your final restorations based on your dental impressions. Once the abutments and restorations are complete, they can be attached to your implants.

Depending on the type of implant and how long it takes for osseointegration, it may take anywhere from two to twelve months from your implant placement surgery to your final restoration. If you require bone grafting, it may take longer. Patients who get All-On-4 dental implants may receive their final restorations sooner. Dr. Mata can give you a realistic timeline during your initial consultation.

Care of Your Replacement Teeth

Keeping your implant teeth clean is just as important as cleaning your natural teeth. Floss daily and brush twice daily. A twice-yearly checkup and professional dental cleaning are essential for maintenance.

Your health and well-being are always our number one concern. If you have questions after your dental implant placement procedure, call our office at Santa Ana / Costa Mesa Office Phone Number 714-556-5156. When in doubt, please call.