Michael A. Chiulli, DDS, MSD
Dental Implants and Periodontics
Offices in Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington
(253) 759-5100
After Implant Placement
Bone Grafting for Implants
Sinus Augmentation
Replacing missing teeth
Implant Placement
After Implant Placement - FAQ's
How long with the implants last?
Implants can last for a lifetime as long as they are well done and well-maintained. Dr. Chiulli and Dr. Bradway would like to see you after the crown is placed by your dentist, to ensure proper fit and contour of the crown. Customized treatment planning is a very important part of making sure your implant has the greatest chance of long-term success. Poor hygiene after implant placement, however, can lead to implant problems. If one of your dental implants does not heal properly or gets loose after a period of time, it is possible to have it removed and a new implant placed.
What problems can occur?
Most patients do not experience any severe or significant post-operative pain following implant placement. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. It is possible for a post-operative infection to develop that would require additional antibiotic treatment. Although great care is taken to place the implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. There is a small chance that the main nerve in your lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected by implants placed in the mandible. This would result in tingling, numbness or a lack of sensation in your lip, chin or tongue which is most often temporary. In very rare cases, nerve alteration may be permanent and/or painful. Please notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible to allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.
What can I use for teeth while the implants are healing?
Many options are available for temporary tooth replacement. If you need a replacement tooth while the implants are healing, temporary removable teeth (a clear retainer with teeth in it, or a "flipper") or a temporary bridge can be made. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present denture or make you a new temporary denture. Depending on your particular situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth will be placed on the day the implant is placed.
When does the crown of the tooth get put onto the implant?
The new crown can usually be fit to the implant once adequate healing has occurred and the implant has integrated with your natural bone. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible for this to occur immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your unique case.
Your dentist will make specialized impressions of your mouth and "bite" records, which will be used to fabricate your new crowns. The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment varies for each patient. No two patients are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth being replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. Between appointments, your dentist will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. Once the final crowns are placed, Dr. Chiulli and Dr. Bradway would like to see you to ensure ideal fit of the crowns onto the implants.
How do I keep my new teeth clean?
Just as it is important to keep your natural teeth clean, it is important that you clean your new implants and crowns regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should visit your dentist or hygienist several times each year for specialized hygiene and maintenance. Your implants are subject to wear and tear just like your natural teeth and should be monitored so that repairs can be made if needed.