Dental Implant FAQs | Finger Lakes Oral Surgery
Dental Implant FAQs Before Treatment
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth and are in good overall health with a healthy jawbone and gums, you are a likely candidate for dental implant surgery in Ithaca. Some patients may need bone grafting prior to implant surgery, and some medical conditions, such as blood-clotting disorders, may preclude you from getting implants. However, the only way to determine for sure is by having Dr. Bonniwell do a thorough evaluation of your oral health and review your medical history.
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Is dental implant surgery painful?
Not usually. Patients are often sedated during the procedure and usually do not feel anything. Most patients remember nothing about the surgery.
What type of sedation is used for dental implant placement?
Most procedures are performed under light IV sedation for your comfort. Occasionally, we may be able to do simpler procedures using local anesthesia or nitrous oxide. For the most complex procedures, we may use general anesthesia. We will review your sedation options for dental implant surgery at your consultation.
Do I need bone grafting before getting dental implants?
It depends on the quality and quantity of your jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone to support the implants, you will not need bone grafting. However, if you have lost bone mass or the bony ridge is too thin to support the implants properly, we will need to strengthen the jawbone with bone grafts before placing the implants.
Dental Implant FAQs After Surgery
How much swelling or discomfort is normal after implant placement?
You will experience some swelling and mild discomfort after implant placement, but this is typically easy to control with ice packs or cold compresses placed on the cheeks and ibuprofen or Tylenol. Any discomfort will peak by the third day, then quickly subside.
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
You will be on a dental soft diet while the bone graft is healing or the implant is integrating with the bone. We recommend you avoid eating over the grafted or implant site and avoid hard, crunchy foods entirely during the healing or integration period. Foods to avoid entirely include nuts, pretzels, croutons, hard large chunks of raw vegetables, pitted foods such as olives or cherries, etc. You can still enjoy non-hard foods such as chicken, beef, fish, sandwiches, pizza, etc. on the other side & away from the surgical site.
How long does it take for dental implants to heal?
Your gums will heal within a few weeks, and you should feel fine within a week. However, beneath the surface, it will take 4 to 6 months for the implants to fully fuse with the jawbone. You may wear a temporary denture during this time.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, but this is rare and is usually because a patient has not followed their post-operative care instructions properly. One of the most common reasons for dental implant failure is smoking, which can dramatically affect the healing process. 95 percent of dental implant placements, including immediate dental implants, are successful.
When can I return to work or exercise after implant surgery?
Most people feel comfortable returning to work and moderate exercise the day after surgery.
If you have additional questions about dental implants in Ithaca or would like to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to call Finger Lakes Oral Surgery at Finger Lakes Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 607-266-8600.