After Dental Implant Placement FAQ

Just like natural teeth, implant-supported restorations must be cleaned regularly using a toothbrush, floss, and any recommended cleaning aids. Routine dental visits for hygiene and maintenance are essential. Over time, components such as clips, screws, and denture linings may require adjustments or replacements.

Dental implants are designed for long-term use. Studies show an 80–90% success rate for patients missing all teeth over 30+ years. For those missing only a few teeth, success rates exceed 95%. However, if an implant fails to heal properly or loosens over time, it may need to be removed and replaced after healing.

Before beginning treatment, an estimate will be provided, covering all expenses, including diagnostic work, x-rays, surgical templates, implant placement, abutments, and final restorations such as crowns or dentures. Additional costs may apply for maintenance procedures like hygiene visits, relines, or repairs. If multiple doctors are involved, separate charges may apply. Insurance coverage varies, and some plans provide limited or no coverage for implants. A financial estimate will be provided to help plan for your investment in dental care.

While concerns about post-surgical pain are understandable, most patients do not experience significant discomfort. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed to aid recovery. Occasionally, post-operative infections may occur, requiring additional antibiotics. Though great care is taken during implant placement, adjacent teeth may sometimes be affected, and in rare cases, the nerve in the lower jaw may be impacted. If this happens, it can cause temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Notifying your dentist of any numbness as soon as possible ensures appropriate management.

There are several options available, tailored to your specific needs. If a temporary replacement tooth is necessary during the healing period, a removable temporary tooth or a temporary bridge can be made. If you are missing all your teeth, your current denture can often be modified, or a new temporary denture can be created. For those who prefer non-removable teeth during healing, temporary transitional implants may be placed alongside the permanent implants, allowing for immediate temporary teeth placement. In some cases, implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately, meaning a temporary or permanent tooth can be attached the same day or shortly after.

Replacement teeth are placed once adequate healing has occurred and the jawbone has fused to the implant. Depending on various factors, this phase can begin immediately or shortly after implant placement. The process involves taking precise impressions and bite records to ensure a perfect fit. Abutments (support posts) are then attached to the implants, either using prefabricated components or custom-made versions from gold or ceramic. The choice of abutment is determined after healing and impressions are complete.

The number of appointments required varies per patient, with simpler cases needing as few as three visits. More complex restorations, such as implant-supported dentures, may take multiple appointments over several months. Throughout the process, temporary teeth will be provided to ensure comfort and function.

Typically, a dental surgeon places the implants and performs any necessary surgical procedures, while a general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. In some cases, multiple specialists may be involved in the treatment process.