Dental Patient Education

 

Dental Implants Step 1

 

 

 

Stage 1: Placing the Implants


 graphic The first surgery takes from one to three hours and is normally performed in our offices.

Pre-surgery precautions

Before and/or after the surgery, you may be asked to take oral antibiotics. (Never drink alcoholic beverages when taking antibiotics; alcohol destroys all antibiotic effects.) You may be asked to have nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to surgery.

You will probably be asked to brush your teeth carefully and use an antiseptic mouthwash on the morning of the surgery. You should wear loose-fitting clothing and arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure.

During the first surgery

You may be given a sedative as well as either general or local anesthesia. After you are anesthetized, the surgeon will expose your jawbone and drill one or more precisely measured holes.

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Very gentle, low-speed drilling and extensive saline irrigation are used to
minimize trauma to the delicate bone tissues.
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Threads are cut into the jaw bone.
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The implant is placed and covered to heal.

The implants are designed to become stable, within the living bone in your mouth, usually in about four to six months.

After the first stage

After surgery, an ice pack held to your face will reduce the swelling. You may also be asked to bite on gauze to minimize gum swelling and bleeding. You will be given prescriptions for pain and antibiotic medications when you are ready to leave.

After the surgery, proper home care with frequent rinsing helps prevent infection and aids healing. Maximum swelling usually occurs on the second day after surgery.

Resuming normal activities

Most people return to work within days of the first surgery. Routine visits to the surgeon will ensure proper healing is taking place. Soon after the surgery, the surgeon or dentist may fit a soft lining to your old denture.

You can then wear your old denture, which may have to be adjusted during the healing period. However, if at any time soreness develops, you should contact the surgeon or dentist to relieve pressure areas under your old denture. Healing and osseointegration usually take about four to six months.

Symptoms to report immediately

Call your surgeon or dentist if:

  • Your jaws continue to swell after the first 24 hours:
  • You have a fever;
  • You have pain in your jaws, mouth or sinuses that is unrelieved by the prescribed pain medication.
  • You have any questions.

Stage 2: Exposing the Implants


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