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Patient Instruction Dental Implant Placement Surgery

1. General Information

Dental implants are a type of fixed prosthetic dentistry that closely mimics natural teeth. Made from pure titanium, this advanced technology addresses the problem of missing teeth. The procedure involves surgically implanting the dental implant into the patient’s jawbone at the site of the lost tooth and root. Once in place, the dentist attaches a crown or prosthetic tooth to the implant, ensuring effective chewing and functionality comparable to natural teeth.

Components of a Dental Implant:

  • Screw: This part is embedded beneath the gums and resembles a screw. Made from titanium,  it functions as the root of the artificial tooth, securing the implant firmly in  the jawbone.
  • Abutment: Positioned between the implant screw and the dental crown, this component acts  as a substitute for the tooth’s core structure. It supports the crown and is attached to the screw.
  • Crown: The visible part of the tooth, made from ceramic. It has the color and shape of a natural tooth and is used for chewing food.

2. Purpose of the Procedure/Treatment

  • To replace natural teeth lost due to tooth extraction, decay, gum disease, or congenital absence  (missing teeth), and in cases where multiple teeth are missing, dentists can diagnose and place multiple dental implants to support dental bridges or removable dentures.

3. Advantages of Procedure/Treatment

  • Provides chewing efficiency comparable to natural teeth.
  • Boosts self-esteem by enhancing appearance with teeth.
  • Eliminates concerns about adjacent teeth.

4. Risk and side effect of treatment

    General Risks :

  • Persistent bleeding from the wound , Swelling or significant bruising after surgery ,Infection at the surgical site
  • Numbness after surgery. Dislodgement of implanted dental roots post-surgery
  • If there are wounds or surgeries in the facial area around the same time, you should inform the treating dentist.
  • Post-surgical back pain is commonly experienced during the first 3 days, which can be alleviated with pain relievers as recommended by the dentist.

5. Alternatives treatment 

  • The use of removable dentures or fixed bridges anchored primarily by adjacent teeth

6. Potential outcomes if treatment is not received

  •  If natural teeth are lost and not replaced through treatment, it can lead to other dental health issues such as teeth  shifting. When a tooth is lost on one side, it increases the chewing force on the remaining teeth, potentially affecting muscles and jaw joints. For those who lose front teeth, it can significantly impact their confidence in daily life.

7. Pre / Post Care

 Pre Surgery

  • should refrain from blood-thinning medications as prescribed by your treating physician before the scheduled surgical procedure.
  • in cases where patients have chronic illnesses requiring regular medication or have a history of drug allergies, it is essential to inform the dentist prior to undergoing surgery.

Treatment Procedure

  • Conduct an oral examination and assess the patient by evaluating the width, length, and number of implants needed. Utilize 3D radiographic imaging and take dental impressions to create a model for designing the position and shape of the teeth to be placed according to the treatment plan.
  • Implant surgery involves placing the dental implant into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Sutures will be removed 5-7 days after the surgery.
  • Placing the crown on the dental implant: The dentist will schedule an appointment for the patient to take dental impressions for the crown once the gums are ready, approximately 2 months after the implant surgery.                               

Post Surgery Implant Care Instruction

Titanium typically takes about 3 months to bond with the bone, but some types of dental implants may take around 2 months before the restoration process can continue. This depends on the dentist’s treatment plan.

  • After surgery, bite down on gauze firmly for 1 hour. Avoid talking or chewing on the gauze.
  • If bleeding persists after removing the gauze, place a new piece over the surgical site and bite down firmly for another ½ hour.
  • Do not spit or rinse your mouth vigorously within 24 hours after surgery. Brush your teeth carefully after meals and before bed, avoiding the surgical site.
  • On the first day after surgery, apply a cold compress outside the mouth near the surgical area using a cloth-wrapped ice pack to reduce swelling. Do not suck on ice.
  • Begin warm compresses on the third day using a cloth dipped in warm water and wrung out. Swelling should reduce within a week.
  • For one week after the surgery (excluding the day of surgery), rinse your mouth gently with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Eat soft foods, avoid spicy and hot foods, and refrain from smoking.
  • Take prescribed medications as directed by your dentist, such as pain relievers (1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours if in pain) and antibiotics (complete the entire course).
  • If the surgery involves the sinus cavity, there may be nasal congestion, slight bleeding from the nose, or blood trickling down the throat. Avoid blowing your nose forcefully.

8. Abnormal symptoms that require a visit to the dentist

  • Infection at the surgical site: If the patient experiences severe pain and swelling that does not improve within 1-2 weeks.
  • The dental implant becomes dislodged or loose, or the implant cover falls off after surgery.