After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental Implant Aftercare and Recovery

If you are missing a tooth, Dr. Karanvir Sibia and the staff at Ace Dental in Roseville can help!

Dr. Sibia may recommend a dental implant, a surgical procedure where a new false tooth root is placed into the jaw. If you are considering a dental implant, you probably have a lot of questions, including questions about what to expect after dental implant surgery.

What is a dental implant procedure?

The entire dental implant process can take a few months. This is because the implant has to take time to fuse or integrate to the jaw bone.

In the first step of the process, your dentist will make an incision into the gums and install a titanium post into the jawbone or multiple titanium posts, if multiple implants are being placed. In a process that takes about three to six months, the jawbone forms around the post, a process known as “osseointegration.”

While the implant and the bone fuse, your dentist will give you a temporary crown so that you can eat and speak normally.

When the implant is ready, an abutment will be placed on top of it. This will act as the base of the new tooth. Once the abutment is placed, an impression of it will be taken which will be used to make your permanent false tooth. When this is ready, your dentist will attach it to the abutment.

Are there any potential problems with dental implants that I should know about?

Dental implants have a 95-98% success rate.

Implants are a lot more convenient than other restorations, such as removable dentures. Dentures require a lot of care and cleaning, and many people find them uncomfortable and that they still can’t eat all the foods they like even if they use an adhesive.

Dental implants look and feel much like real teeth. It is difficult to tell if someone even has a dental implant! And, they are easy to take care of. Simply brush, floss, and visit Dr. Sibia twice a year for your usual cleaning and exam.

It is also important to keep in mind that getting a dental implant is better than not replacing a lost tooth at all. A missing tooth can make it difficult to enjoy life, because it can be hard to talk, smile, and enjoy your favorite foods. A missing tooth can also mean serious problems for the remaining teeth, the gums, and the jawbone.

What should I do for post implant surgery care?

• After dental implant surgery, you should take it easy for 48 to 72 hours.
• You should drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold.
• It is alright to eat when you get hungry, but chew on the side opposite the implant. Start off with soft foods and liquids for a few days before going back to your regular diet.
• Applying an ice pack to your face for 20 minute intervals in the first two days after surgery can help with pain and swelling.
• If you received implants in the upper jaw, avoid blowing your nose for two weeks.
• You may have slight bleeding for about two days after the procedure. Excessive bleeding is rare, but can be controlled by biting down on a folded piece of gauze. Call us if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
• On the day of surgery, avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound.

Will there be pain after the dental implant procedure?

After the dental implant procedure is complete, the majority of patients report that it was relatively painless. Most patients say that the procedure made them a little sore, but that it was less painful than having a tooth pulled.

If your dentist gives you pain medication, you should start taking it immediately after surgery, before the anesthesia wears off. If you don’t have a prescription for pain medication, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Is it alright to exercise after dental implant surgery?

Avoid strenuous exercise for two days after the surgery. If your implant site starts to throb or bleed while exercising, you should stop.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants can vary, depending on how many implants you need.

If you would like the staff at Ace Dental in Roseville to check your insurance to see how much (if any) they will pay for implants, we would be happy to help! We are an in-network provider for most PPO insurance including Delta, MetLife, Guardian, Humana, Cigna, and Assurant.

We also offer the Ace Dental Plan. For a membership cost every year, you get many benefits: two free regular cleanings, two free annual examinations, two free fluoride treatments, and a discount on all other dental procedures.

We also accept CareCredit, which you can apply for through our office. CareCredit is basically a credit card for use with health services, with special financing options.

You can count on Dr. Sibia and our Ace Dental staff for skilled and experienced dental implant placement, and excellent follow-up care! If you need a dental implant, call Ace Dental in Roseville, California, today at (916) 772-0111.