Placement of Dental Implants
Implants are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as tooth root substitutes. The placing of implants consists of drilling into the jawbone and placing a titanium screw base. Implants are a well-established, tried and tested method for replacing one or more lost teeth. Most implants will last for 15 years. A diagnostic CT scan may be required for multiple implants to provide an exact analysis of the width, depth and density of the bone, but this will save money and time in the long run since a precise diagnosis can be made eliminating any guesswork.
Some oozing of blood from the surgical area is normal after dental implants. This may occur for up to 2-3 days following surgery. Your doctor will place gauze sponges over the surgical site. Continue to bite down firmly on these sponges for the first hour after surgery to help stop any bleeding. Also remember spitting and rinsing aggravates and stimulates bleeding. If you had implants placed in the upper jaw or if you had a sinus graft procedure, bleeding from the nose is common. Do not blow your nose, only blot and apply pressure.
Implant Supported Dental Work has many advantages including:
- No crème or adhesives
- Great comfort
- No overnight soaking in a glass
- Better ability to chew food
- Not having to take it out at night
- Enhances appearance
- No rubbing, clacking, or pain
Your dentist may prescribe some pain relief medications after the surgery to take over the next few days if you need them. He may also suggest antibiotics. Don't smoke, exercise or drive for the rest of the day. Don't rinse the area and only eat soft foods. However, it is important that you keep your mouth clean by brushing but do not poke the implant site.
Dental implants have been proven to be comfortable, permanent and attractive replacements for natural teeth. They have allowed patients to have teeth without the pain, discomfort and restrictions of dentures and partials.
