After Implant Placement

Many options are available, and they are tailored to your specific requirements. If you need a replacement tooth while the implants are healing, temporary removable teeth or a temporary bridge can be made. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present complete denture or make you a new temporary denture. If you would prefer non-removable teeth during the healing phase, temporary transitional implants usually can be placed along with the permanent implants, and temporary teeth may be made and inserted the same day. Depending on your particular situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth can be placed on, or shortly after, the day the implant is placed.

Complications are always easier to prevent than they are to manage. Thus, it is extremely important to have a qualified surgeon be the one that places the implant. Having a specialist, particularly a Board Certified one, can create a significant difference in the outcome. Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience significant postoperative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible.

The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jaw bone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.

The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth before they are placed. Your appointments are considered more comfortable and more pleasant than previous methods of tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.

Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow your restorative dentist to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. Your restorative dentist will also make “bite” records so that they see the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. With this information, they will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants.

The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, as few as 2-3 short appointments may be required. Between appointments, your restorative dentist will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. It is most beneficial that you keep all of your scheduled appointments.

If your final restoration is a removable denture, you will need to see your restorative dentist for as many as five office appointments (although it may be fewer) over the following several months. During these appointments, they will perform a series of impressions, bites and adjustments in order to make your new teeth, as well as the custom support bars, snaps, magnets, or clips that will secure your teeth to the dental implants. During this period, every effort will be made to ensure you have comfortable, temporary replacement teeth.

In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 1 to 12 months. For these reasons, it is difficult for us to tell you exactly how much the restorative phase of your treatment will cost, although you should receive a reasonable estimate from the restorative dentist’s office. It also is difficult to give you a specific timeframe for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.