After Implant Placement

What can I use to replace my missing teeth while the implants are healing?

Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will discuss different options for temporarily replacing your missing teeth, both with you and your dentist. A temporary removable partial denture can be made to replace one or several missing teeth. If all of your teeth are missing, your existing partial denture can be modified into a temporary complete denture, otherwise a new temporary complete denture can be made. Depending on the clinical situation, a temporary crown, bridge or denture can be attached to the implant the same day that the implant or implants are placed.

How painful are these bone grafting and implant procedures?

It is normal to be concerned that bone grafting and implant procedures may cause post-operative discomfort. In actual fact, most patients do not experience significant post-operative pain. A thorough regimen of post-operative antibiotics, pain medication, and post-operative instructions will be prescribed by Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu, to make your recovery is as relaxed as possible.

Are my implants really forever?

Implants are now widely used in daily practice for patients who are missing one, multiple or all of their teeth. Modern implant dentistry offers significant functional advantages for many patients when compared to traditional fixed bridgework or removable dentures. Implant dentistry has yielded excellent well-documented long-term results, with 10-year success and survival above 95% (Buser D, et al. Modern implant dentistry based on osseointegration: 50 years of progress, current trends and open questions. Periodontology 2000. 2017; 73: 7-21.)

How long do I have to wait before the new teeth can be attached with my dentist?

In most cases implants require 3 month of healing. In some cases Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will recommend 6 months of healing. The recommended healing time will vary depending on jawbone density, and on whether or not a bone graft procedure is being performed at the same time as implant placement. The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. Both parts of the implant treatment, the surgery itself and the prosthetic phase (crown, bridge, denture insertion) are done with great precision.

Can I brush and floss my implant teeth the same way as my natural teeth?

Yes, implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures can be cleaned in much the same way as natural teeth, with toothbrushes and floss. Depending on the type of bridge or denture, interproximal brushes (https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html), and a Waterpik (https://www.waterpik.com) may also be useful. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and your dentist will carefully instruct you as to how to keep your new implant teeth clean.

How often will I have to see my dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, when I have my implant teeth?

You will need to see your dentist at least twice a year for regular teeth cleaning visits (see Cleanings and Checkups). Depending on your case, Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu may recommend that you visit your dentist even more frequently for cleaning visits. Each clinical case is unique. The new implant teeth or denture will also require at least annual maintenance visits. Implant crown and bridgework, and dentures are wear-and-tear devices. Ceramic crowns may chip and require repair with your dentist. A screw which attaches the crown to the implant may come loose and occasionally require tightening. Your bite may change with age and your dentist may have to slightly adjust the tooth contact on your implant crown or bridge. An implant-supported removable denture has retentive clips, which occasionally require replacement.

Is my dentist involved in the planning process?

Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will be in close contact with your dentist throughout the entire planning process. Together, they will provide a thorough assessment and plan for your unique case, and provide you all of your treatment options. This planning phase will involve at least one visit with both Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and your dentist.

Will my dentist make the final crown, bridge or denture on my implants?

Yes, your dentist will make the temporary crown, bridge or denture (if required), as well as the final crown, bridge or denture on the implants. You will be seeing both Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and your dentist throughout the implant treatment process