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Dental Implants

Surgeon Dr. Smith from South Calgary Oral Surgery going over the surgical procedure with a patient prior to surgery.

Dental implants are changing the way people live!

They can improve the quality of life, comfort and esthetics, they look, feel and function like natural teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

They can improve the quality of life, comfort and esthetics, they look, feel and function like natural teeth.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures.

First, implants are placed within your jawbone.

For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants integrate with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has healed to the jawbone, the second phase begins.

We will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

FAQ's

We carefully plan our dental implant treatments to have more predictable outcomes. At your initial consultation one of our oral surgeons will examine your mouth thoroughly, and will review your medical and dental history. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, there are ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting may be recommended.

  • Single Teeth
  • Multiple Teeth
  • Full-denture supported (ideal for patients who have an ill-fitting denture)

Dental implants preserve jaw bone and unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants do not compromise the neighbouring healthy teeth. The natural appearance of the smile and face contour is preserved with dental implants.

In addition, patients wearing partials or dentures can experience bone resorption which occurs as a result of not replacing lost teeth. Dental implants can prevent bone resorption.

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

The majority of dental implants and one graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia with or without intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

  • Swelling is expected to peak at 48 hours and will likely be present for at least 2-3 weeks following surgery.

  • Sit upright, apply ice and gauze pressure as tolerated. Bleeding can persist on and off for 2-4 days.

  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for at least one week.
  •  Use ice 20 minutes ON and 20 minutes OFF for the first 48 hours after surgery. Ice can also be used for up to 4-5 days following surgery to help with discomfort. After 4-5 days, switch to moist heat.
  • Take all pain medications as prescribed for at least 48 hours. Alternate the anti-inflammatory (eg. ibuprofen, naproxen) with the Tylenol-based medication (eg. Extra Strength Tylenol, Tylenol #3, Tramacet) every 3 hours (ie. start with ibuprofen—> 3 hours later—>Tylenol product—> 3 hours later—> ibuprofen—> etc.).
  • Nausea may occur for the first few days after surgery. Drinking clear fluids (eg. water or ginger-ale) can help ease nausea. Taking medications with food will also help.
  • If nausea persists, avoid narcotic medications. Try using ibuprofen and plain Tylenol for management of any discomfort.
  • Stay on a soft chew diet for at least 3 weeks following surgery. Your surgeon will direct any diet changes/recommendations moving forward. Do not use a straw for one month following surgery.
  • Diet:
    • Soft chew
    • Blended
    • Liquid
  • You may have had antibiotics prescribed. Please take them to completion.
  • Use the prescribed mouth rinse 3-4 times daily (after eating and before bedtime). Rinse for 1 minute then spit; do not swallow. Rinse several times a day with salt water as well.
  • The day after surgery, you can begin brushing your teeth – teeth next to any surgical area(s) should be brushed gently). If dental implants have been placed and a portion of your implant structure is visible (ie. the healing abutment), you may start brushing the abutments 1 week after surgery. Use only a manual toothbrush to this area. You may use your electric toothbrush to your other teeth. No flossing adjacent to the implants for 2 weeks.
  • Dissolving stitches are commonly used. These may dissolve in 10-14 days OR may last up to 4-6 weeks depending on the type of suture used.
  • If you have any non-dissolving sutures, you will receive an appointment for removal.
  • Please contact us immediately if you notice that tissues have “opened up” to the graft site and/or implant site.
  •  Early mobilization and walking assist with recovery. Sit upright in a chair to help with swelling and breathing.

  • Do not lift more than 5-10 pounds for at least 6 weeks as directed.

  • Avoid all contact sports or activities that put you at risk for getting hit in the face for at least 2-3 months.

  • Do not smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes or marijuana as this affects healing and increases the risk of implant or bone graft failure.

  • If you have had a Sinus Lift Bone Graft performed, please avoid blowing your nose for at least one month following surgery.

Please call our office first with any questions or concerns at 403-271-1665 or 1-800-342-0382. A doctor is on-call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. If you are calling after hours, please listen to the emergency message at the phone number(s) provided. You can then leave a message at the designated phone number and the Doctor will call you back. If you are admitted to the hospital within 10 days of surgery, please notify us immediately.

Based on the needs and budget of each one of our patients we create a roadmap to try to get the ideal result. We educate and answer questions every step of the way. While providing the surgical aspect of care, we work with your dentist, hygienist, prosthodontist, denturist and other dental professionals.

Over 40 years of providing quality care to Southern Alberta.

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