After implant placement

5 May 2021

After implant placement

After you procedure there will be some discomfort and swelling. The degree of swelling will depend upon the number of implants placed and whether or not additional surgical procedures were carried out. Occasionally along with the swelling there may also be slight bruising of the skin. This will fade over a week. If you are a smoker or have a pre-existing medical condition. This may affect soft tissue healing and the amount of swelling may be greater. The gum tissue in the region where the implants have been placed may change appearance or colour. It may take on a white appearance for a short time (normally two weeks) after surgery.

After 6/10 days once the soft tissue has healed sufficiently the stitches are removed. If dissolving stitches have been used this may not be necessary.

During this period it may not be possible to wear dentures. After this stage the implants will be left undisturbed for at least three months to attach to the jawbone. During this period the top of the implant may show through the gum slightly and metal may become visible. Although this is normally no cause for concern, should it occur please contact the practice to have the area looked at.

MAKING THE NEW TEETH

After a 3/6-month period a second surgical procedure may be necessary to expose the implants and check for firm bony attachment. In the event that an implant has failed it can simply be removed. As failed implants will not be attached to bone. Once the implants have been uncovered and are firm. A post or abutment will be connected which will be used to support either a provisional denture or bridge. This intermediate stage will last approximately two months. This allows time for the gums to settle and form a tight attachment to the implant abutment. During this time the abutment may become visible as the gum shrinks slightly exposing the underlying metal. The final teeth will be made to cover as much of the exposed metallic areas possible. This helps improve the final appearance. Impressions will be necessary prior to construction of the final restoration.

Implant Smiles

APPEARANCE OF THE FINISHED TEETH AND GUM

Every effort will be made to ensure your final teeth look natural and just the way you want them to appear. Unfortunately it is not always possible to guarantee the appearance. Or level of the gum tissue surrounding the implant teeth. This may be the case if you have had gum disease in the past. Been without teeth for several years, smoke or have lost jawbone as the result of an accident.

This is particularly important if you show a lot of gum and tooth when smiling. Or have had natural teeth in the area crowned in the past. In certain situations it may be necessary to have new crowns made as a result of gum shrinkage following the procedure. In these situations it may also be necessary to replace the missing or damaged gum. This can be done by using additional gum grafting procedures or by the application of artificial gum coloured plastic.

AFTER CARE AND MAINTAINENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLANTS

Implants are not “Fit and Forget” they need the same care and attention as nature teeth. On completion of treatment it will be necessary for you to attend a number of recall appointments to check the condition of the implants and to adjust the bite if required.

After this, regular 6/12 monthly dental check-ups are required to monitor the condition of the implants and any remaining natural teeth. You should also maintain regular hygiene appointments. As a build up of plaque will cause gum problems and possible bone loss from around your implants. Which could result in their eventual loss if left untreated.

If you have teeth and implants mixed together it is also very important to maintain the health of the natural teeth. Should the natural teeth become infected or are lost for any reason. The remaining implants may be damaged by the extra pressure caused by the addition work load.