Placing the implants
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 1 hour, depending on the number of implants and the degree of difficulty. As a result of the treatment, problems may occur in the form of (slight) post-operative pain, swelling and sometimes bruising. Slight post-bleeding can usually be stopped by firmly biting down on a roll of gauze soaked in physiological saline solution (a glass of boiled water with a teaspoon of table salt) for at least 30 minutes. The healing process is usually trouble-free, basically using Vicryl sutures that dissolve on their own. You will occasionally feel some "threads" in your mouth.
The implants are covered with screws, these can come loose. This is not a problem, however, you should make an appointment with us on short notice as otherwise the gums will close over the implants.
In consultation with the dentist, you may or may not wear a loose prosthesis (plate/frame prosthesis). If necessary, the removable prosthesis can be adjusted to the implant so that there is no pressure on it.
Success and possible complications
The success rate of the implant we use is approximately 95% over a 5-year period. Loss of the implant is mainly seen in patients who smoke, poor oral hygiene and overuse. You should be very careful with the implant for 6-12 weeks from implantation.
With implants in the mandible in the lateral portions (behind the canine), there is minimal risk of damage to the nerve that controls the sensation of the lower lip on one side.
Restoration of the jaw wall
Sometimes it happens that there is not enough bone to place the implant in the right place. A membrane in combination with your own bone or another material can be applied simultaneously (guided bone regeneration technique). The wound area should absolutely not be loaded after surgery.
Food
It is wise not to eat hard things as the position of the implants should not change. The food should not be too hot or too cold, do not flush hard, there should be a good blood clot. The wound healing is organized from the blood clot. For healing and ingrowth of the implants, it is better to smoke as little as possible or not at all. Alcohol consumption shortly after implantation may induce post-implantation bleeding. It is advisable not to "play" with the sutures, this negatively affects healing. The wound area should be stressed as little as possible during the healing phase!
Rinsing, brushing, oral hygiene
It goes without saying that good oral hygiene is very important. After every meal in the first 2 weeks after surgery, the mouth should be rinsed gently (so that the wound does not open) with chlorhexidine or physiological salt or dab the wound with a gauze soaked in chlorhexidine or physiological salt. Other mouthwashes should not be used. You can brush the rest of your teeth with toothpaste. The day of treatment do not rinse and brush in the region of the wound, the 2nd day start rinsing and the 3rd day start cleaning the cover screws with a gauze soaked in the chlorhexidine or physiological salt for up to 2 weeks. Once the wound is closed (pink continuous aspect of the gums) and the pain allows you to brush the cover screws with a soft toothbrush, they should be very clean!
Smoking negatively affects implant prognosis!
Check
After possible removal of the sutures (one to two weeks after implantation), your prosthesis, if any, will be adjusted to the new situation in your mouth. In any case, it is advisable not to put the prosthesis in at night and to use it as little as possible. Should any complications occur after the removal of the sutures, such as redness, blisters, swelling, etc., you should contact us as soon as possible.