Blogs

After your implants are placed, it is important to follow these care instructions to allow proper healing in preparation for the next phase of treatment for your fixed-hybrid, or screw-retained denture.

If your doctor feels that the implants are stable enough to handle the force of biting, temporary abutments are secured into the implants and your temporary dentures will be secured to the abutments.

Immediately after your implant procedure, it’s important to listen and adhere to your doctor’s recovery instructions for the type of anesthetic used.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid excessive chewing, spitting, rinsing and physical activity. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, or a prescribed medication to help with any discomfort.

Be sure to drink lots of water, but don’t use a straw for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as suction could cause bleeding to occur.

Also, don’t smoke for at least a week, as this can also cause bleeding and hinder healing.

Swelling and bruising around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and side of the face is common and may peak two or three days after the procedure.

Ice packs can be used to help with swelling and after 24 hours you can gently rinse with warm salt water three times per day to reduce pain and swelling.

Propping up your head with pillows when lying down will aid both swelling and bleeding.

For the next ten days, you should eat soft foods that require minimal chewing and drink plenty of cool fluids.

Your doctor will monitor the healing process over the next few months, at which time you can begin the next phase of treatment for your screw-retained denture.

If your bite feels uneven, or if you experience persistent pain or bleeding outside of the norm after your implant procedure, it is important to contact your doctor’s office for assistance.

The Oral Cancer Foundation has declared April Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The doctors at the Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants recommend routine oral cancer screening for all patients. Oral cancer is not a rare disease. Approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer every year in the US. It kills one person every hour of every day, and approximately 132 new individuals will be diagnosed with it each day. The good news is that it can often be found early in its development, through a simple, painless, and quick screening.

An implant supported bridge can be used to replace multiple missing teeth and restore the esthetics and function of your mouth. It is a single restoration that uses dental implants neighboring the space for support. It typically requires multiple appointments to complete this process.

The process begins with your doctor using a state-of-the-art scanner to image your mouth in 3D, which will be used to plan out your implant placement and design a temporary bridge for you.

Next, the area is prepared for placing the dental implants

The implant(s) are then placed into the bone, along with special healing caps. A temporary restoration can be placed over the area while you heal- your doctor will review with you the best options for your situation.

At subsequent visits your doctor will monitor the healing process, letting you know when the area is ready to proceed. Once healed, the healing caps are removed and scanning posts are placed in the implants. 

Next, another scan is performed of the healed area to design the abutments for your bridge- which will serve as the base to support it.

Once your abutments are ready, they are placed into the implants and another scan is done for the purpose of designing your final bridge. 

When the bridge is finished, your doctor will make final adjustments and secure it into place. With your bridge placement complete, your teeth are restored to optimal shape and function in a way that continues to stabilize, protect, and preserve the surrounding teeth and tissue.