Dental Implant Aftercare

Dental Implant Aftercare

You have made a significant investment in your smile, and like you we very much want you to enjoy the benefits for many years to come. Now that you have completed your treatment it is important that you care for your implants in order to get the best long-term results.

It is important that your dental implants are checked by your dentist regularly just like natural teeth. We recommend that a dentist checks your implants after 6 months and at least once a year thereafter to ensure they are maintained and are healthy. In addition to your regular dental checks we would like to offer you some oral health advice you can implement yourself at home.

Brushing

It is best that a medium nylon brush is used to keep your dental implants and gums healthy. You should pay particular attention to the area where the tooth/implant meets the gum line as this is the area where plaque can build up and cause inflammation or other conditions that can affect the health of supporting tissues.

Several Missing Teeth

Advice

Some people lose teeth in the back of the mouth. This is typically caused by gum infection (periodontitis) or by teeth cracking due to previous fillings.

In order to prevent bone loss and malposition of the teeth and jaw, a gap involving several teeth should be closed rapidly not only from the functional aspect but also from the medical aspect. The individual situation determines the number of implants used.

A major advantage of implant-borne bridges is that the healthy neighbouring teeth do not have to be ground.

Single Missing Tooth

Advice

A crown mounted on a dental implant is the best choice if you have a tooth missing in the upper or lower jaw.

Fixed implant-borne teeth not only look like your own teeth, they also feel like them. The implant, crown and gums form a harmonious unit. The dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and acts as a post for the implant crown. Grinding the neighbouring teeth is not necessary so healthy tooth substance is preserved.

Sinus Lift

Post-Operative Instructions following Sinus Surgery

Following sinus surgery, you must avoid activities that create pressure within the sinus for 10 days. In addition to the “Post-operative Instructions” that you should have been provided with, the following are special considerations specific to sinus surgery.

Advice

• If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid unnecessary pressure on the sinus.
• No nose blowing for one week.
• Do not smoke, use a straw or spit for five days after surgery.
• Avoid playing wind instruments until cleared by the surgeon.
• Avoid flying and scuba diving.
• If you feel air flow at the surgical site, please contact our office.
• If you feel congested, you may need to use antihistamines or decongestants. Over the counter products such as Sudafed or Otrivine work well.
• Avoid lifting the lip with your fingers to look at the area. It is possible to accidently tear the sutures, open the incision, and delay healing.
• Expect some bleeding out of the nostril on the surgical side. If so, gently blot the nose and avoid blowing.

Same Day Teeth

Restore confidence and eliminate loose dentures

Too many people who have conventional dentures don’t like to wear them because they don’t stay in place. TeethXpress offers a way to keep dentures secure and allows you to go about your daily life with confidence. Dentures supported by implants have been successful for hundreds of thousands of people. The number of patients is growing rapidly due to their effectiveness, long-term durability and the high success rate of dental implants.

Millions of people around the world are missing enough teeth to require the use of a denture. Many struggle with loose or poor fitting dentures. If you have this problem, you already know the embarrassment of slipping dentures, not being able to eat the foods you love, and the problems with messy denture adhesives. Ask your dentist how to restore and maintain your natural smile with TeethXpress from BioHorizons.

Benefits of TeethXpress

• Eat the foods you love, while enjoying a better diet and improved overall health
• No more embarrassment and difficulty speaking because of slipping dentures
• Increased comfort with reduced gum tissue irritation
• No more costly and inconvenient denture adhesives
• TeethXpress can often utilize your existing denture
• TeethXpress is minimally invasive and can generally be completed in one day

The Procedure

During the procedure, 4 to 6 implants are placed into the jaw with abutment posts. Your denture is then attached to the abutments. The TeethXpress procedure typically can be completed in one day and can be done under local anesthesia. Discomfort from TeethXpress is usually minor and temporary. Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers for you as needed. A soft diet may be required during the initial healing phase.

After the procedure, the use of a medicated mouth wash is often recommended for two weeks. You will not brush or use a water pick during that time. After two weeks, you can start using a water pick on a slow speed. Follow your doctor’s instructions and maintain your dental hygiene to ensure the long-term success of your treatment.