Post-surgery, no matter how large or small the procedure was, is a vital step to recovering on time. Treating a dental implant is like treating regular teeth. It can take up to six months to fully heal, assuming that you treat them right from the start.
Our patients tend to ask us this question: do implants need extra care?
Taking care of your implants is not difficult and it really comes down to how much you take care of your mouth and gums. Immediately after the implant is placed, you probably won’t feel a lot of pain or discomfort thanks to numbing and sedation. Once it wears off, we highly recommend taking any prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen.
Other important tips to keep in mind during the oral surgery recovery phase include:
During the first five to seven days after surgery, stick to soft foods exclusively. Don’t eat spicy foods or drink hot liquids either, or even drink alcohol in the first few days.
The easiest soft foods to eat include yogurt, pudding, ice cream or milkshakes, and cooled down soups or purees. Some swelling is normal after oral surgery, but it increases two or three days after the procedure - contact your oral surgeon.
Dental implants don’t give you the ability to fully chew immediately, so there’s a lot of foods you need to avoid to stay healthy. This applies to not only hard and solid foods but also foods that are a challenge to chew, such as potato chips, raw carrots, and popcorn.
Dental implants are different from real teeth because they aren’t made of enamel or even the thin outer covering on a tooth. Implants can’t develop cavities, but they’re still susceptible to other dental conditions - including implant failure. Experiencing inflamed or swollen gums, chewing problems, pain, or discomfort can indicate that you’re practicing poor oral hygiene habits.
Brushing should be accompanied with flossing, since dental floss can reach those challenging places in your gum line. We recommend using floss threaders for your dental implant area. Just finish the cleaning routine with mouth rinse to strengthen the enamel of your natural teeth, and you’re on your way to feeling refreshed!
Save your teeth and put down the cigarette – it’s been proven that spending time with non-smokers, in addition to exercising, can reduce cravings and potential withdrawal symptoms.
Make sure to quit any bad habits that would lead to additional oral issues or impede on the healing process. After all, avoiding cigarettes will help with your general health, even if it’s not easy to quit smoking. In the long-term, it’s worth it because a buildup of tobacco on your mouth and teeth will worsen gum disease and periodontitis, leading to potentially higher dental implant prices and procedures.
Tooth extractions carry a small risk of complications like post-surgical infections or dry sockets, even if the latter does not occur from implant surgeries alone.
After a week or two, your implant should completely heal. It can have some tenderness but not any noticeable bleeding or pain. Other possible complications include an improperly placed implant which can cause infections.
Our team at Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery Dental Implant Center stresses that anytime you develop dental pain after surgery, it’s important to follow up with your dentist and oral surgeon to determine the cause. All in all, a tooth extraction is the best way to prevent infections and get back on track to better health.
It’s never a fun feeling to hear that you need a tooth pulled, but sometimes it’s best in order to prevent infections or worsening symptoms and get you back on track. Another stressor for many is the cost of visiting a healthcare provider.
Dental implant costs can vary from patient to patient. We make every effort to provide you with the finest care and convenient options after your tooth extraction and recovery. Feel free to call the offices here at Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center to ask about procedures, billing, or other questions about Reno implant prices.
Find Dental Implants Near Me In Reno NV
If you’re like many other Americans with damaged or missing teeth and are looking for an effective solution that looks totally natural, you might consider dental implants. A dental implant offers a stable and permanent solution to those with one or several missing or damaged teeth. Along with being a versatile option to restore teeth to their normal function, dental implants have immense oral health benefits.
This year, consider enhancing your smile with natural-looking dental implants. Learn more about dental implants in Reno, NV with the experts at Reno-Tahoe Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center below.
Dental implants are a permanent, fixed, tooth replacement option that can restore a single tooth, multiple consecutive teeth, or a full arch of missing teeth. Tooth implants replace both the crown and root of the tooth which dentures and dental bridges are not capable of. This makes dental implants much more stable and ensures their fixed position remains permanent.
Most dental implants consist of three parts; the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant post, which is usually made from titanium, provides support for the abutment and crown and securely connects all of these pieces together.
As stated above, dental implants consist of three key parts including the implant post, the abutment, and the crown.
The implant post is made of high-grade, durable titanium that is biocompatible with our bodies making this solution completely safe. During dental implant surgery, the post is inserted directly into the jaw bone which allows for the best support.
Next, the implant abutment is attached to the top of the implant post by screwing it on. This gives the crown (called the restoration) some surface space to attach to.
Finally, the restoration is completed with a crown that is fixed on the implant abutment. The implant restoration is the part of the implant that is visible when smiling and is responsible for helping you chew your food.
Dental implants have many advantages over other tooth loss solutions like dentures. Implants fully replace the root and crown of the tooth which helps stimulate the jaw bone and prevents bone loss from arising. Other benefits of having dental implants placed include:
Reno-Tahoe Oral Surgery is the best place for dental implants in Reno, NV. Dr. Redlinger specializes in teeth extraction and dental implants and is a renowned oral surgeon in Northern Nevada. Our team offers the highest expertise and training when tackling the complexity behind dental implant procedures. Connect with us by calling (775) 853-9696 or clicking on the button below to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you smile!
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, affects roughly 47% of Americans, the equivalent of 67 million people. With gum disease being the leading cause of tooth loss, it’s crucial that during National Gum Health Month we do our part to improve those numbers. On average, a person between the ages of 20-39 is missing at least 1 tooth and a total of 8 by their 60s. Fortunately, proper dental care and the help of dental implants can significantly reduce your risk of developing harmful periodontal disease.
You may be wondering “how do dental implants improve my gum health?” and you’re not alone.
Getting dental implants can be a great way of protecting your jaw. When you lose a tooth, you can also lose the integrity of your jaw bone due to deterioration. Getting dental implants helps to stop that process.
The problem is, not everyone takes care of their dental implants as they should. This can cause many of the same issues that your original teeth had, including gum disease.
You need to make sure you are properly caring for your implants so that your teeth stay where they are supposed to.
Gum disease presents itself in varying degrees of severity. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and periodontitis is a more advanced form. Some of the most common signs of gum disease include:
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they function just like regular teeth. You can speak with them in, chew your favorite foods, and smile without the world being any wiser about what is in your mouth. Thankfully, this also means that you can brush them just like your original teeth. In fact, you need to.
While implants cannot decay, they can break down and become brittle. Plus, they sit on your gums, so if you don't care for them properly, you can suffer from gum disease. This can cause you to lose your implants if you aren't careful.
You should brush your implants at least two times per day, just like you should your original teeth. If you have individual teeth put into your mouth, then you need to floss between them, just as you do your other teeth. If you have full arches, then you need to make sure you are cleaning up around your gums really well. You don't want bacteria growing around your implants, as that can be painful and cause lots of trouble such as gum disease.
Contact our oral surgery office this National Gum Health Month about what other things you can do to improve your dental implant health to ensure they last the rest of your life.
Please call us today at (775) 853-9696 or click on the button below to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to seeing you smile!
Oral surgery is not an uncommon practice in dentistry. We often see patients for everything from wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and even bone grafting, and as with any surgery, there is after care that you as a patient need to be aware of once you're back at home and recovering.
Our office will send you home with instructions for pain management following the procedure. While extreme pain is rare, you may be sensitive for a couple of days.
It is likely that you may experience a different sensation in the treated area, but you should call us immediately if you experience any severe symptom like pain or pressure lasting more than a few days, visible swelling or any possible allergic reaction to medication. After your sensation returns, if your bite feels uneven, call us right away.
The first 24-48 hours, you may notice lots of bleeding and some discomfort. It's important during this time to keep clean gauze in your mouth to absorb the blood and take it easy. Stay on your couch or in bed for a day or two. Be gentle getting up out of bed, and although it's not required, a liquid or soft diet is recommended.
Changing your diet to soft, healthy foods will help your mouth heal quickly and correctly. Avoid any hard foods, nuts, popcorn, overly spicy food, chips and acidic foods. You should also avoid drinking through a straw for several days after oral surgery as this can cause excessive bleeding and complications.
Depending on the type of surgery you have done, recovery times can vary greatly, however, after 48 hours if you're still experiencing a lot of bleeding, you should call our office right away. We're happy to discuss your concerns and help you through the healing process.
As they say, accidents happen. However, that does not mean an accident should put a stopper on living life to the fullest. That is where we can help. We can provide reconstructive oral surgery that will improve your dental function, your overall appearance, and your outlook on life.
Whether you suffered injuries in a car accident or experienced a sports-related mishap, you can get the help you need to restore your smile after these kinds of events. If you have had a serious facial trauma, you may need an extensive dental restoration, also known as a full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehab. While some patients experience missing teeth, others may have damaged their jaws and therefore require one of various dental treatments. If a patient needs a full mouth reconstruction, he or she may have one or more of the following conditions: injured or fractured teeth, missing teeth, worn-down teeth, severe dental decay, damage to the soft tissue or bones, or oral skeletal injuries.
A full mouth reconstruction is frequently recommended for accident victims as well as for people who have receding gums or suffer from recurring headaches. In either case, you can use this type of oral restoration to improve your dental function and enhance your dental profile and appearance. The first step in the process is scheduling an evaluation of the gums and teeth. This will help us to determine what procedures we need to undertake to get the desired outcome. Dental implants and the addition of fixed bridges, crowns, or porcelain veneers are usually part of the dental rehab process. We will also check your bite alignment to make sure you do not have temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ.
Give us a call today if you would like to know more about a full mouth reconstruction, whether it is an after-accident dental restoration or you wish to restore a smile that has been affected by neglect or an advanced form of gum disease. We can help you regain your self-confidence and enjoy better dental health. Contact us to schedule an appointment and consultation.
A sinus lift or sinus augmentation is a dental procedure which adds bone mass to the upper jaw typically between the molars and premolars. In order to ensure there is adequate room for the added bone graft, the sinus membrane is lifted which is where the name came from. There are myriad reasons for why patients need this procedure performed.
While the conditions for a sinus lift might be in place for years, it is not necessary to get it corrected until the need for surgery requires it. For instance, if dental implants are being placed and there is too little bone mass to attach them properly, the procedure will need to be done. Also, if there is bone loss caused by periodontal disease or by the absorption of bone from the jaw due to tooth loss there could be a need for a sinus lift. If there is not enough bone tissue between the sinuses and the upper jaw whether due to genetics, tooth extraction or decay.
To perform a sinus lift it is necessary to get bone either from the patient or another source such as a cadaver or a cow. X-rays will be taken to determine the best placement of the graft. A cut is then made where the back teeth used to be and create a small hole in the actual bone. The piece of bone is then raised into the sinus cavity and the bone graft is used to fill the space. Once the incisions are closed, the procedure is complete.
After the surgery is done, it will take approximately four to twelve months to completely heal before the dental implants can be placed. It is recommended the patient not blow their nose or sneeze frequently whenever possible to allow for healing. Any questions can be answered with a simple phone call.
Bone grafts have been around the medical community for decades. They provide a great treatment option for a variety of issues throughout the body. In the dental health arena, bone grafts are used to treat both bone loss issues which can come up when treating periodontal disease as well as TMJ issues.
The term bone graft simply means that the tissue was taken from one site on the body and placed in another. This is usually done when one area of the body is weakened or diseased. The graft of new tissue will jumpstart healing and new tissue growth which can help the body heal itself. For oral cavity health, bone grafts are used to treat bone resorption in both the lower and upper jaw as well as the actual TMJ site.
Bone resorption is an issue because when bone mass is lost in the upper and lower jaws it can limit the type of artificial tooth solutions available. Without proper bone mass, dental implants cannot be supported properly.
TMJ pain can be debilitating, stretching along the jawbone, the ears, face, and teeth. Applying a bone graft directly to the TMJ site can restore jaw functionality and correct chewing motion. Grafts can also be used to restore lost bone mass due to periodontal disease.
Autografts are one of the most common graft types used. This type takes the bone graft tissue from the actual patient and applies it to the affected area.
The second most widely used graft is known as an allograft. This also uses harvested bone tissue but not from the patient themselves. This type of graft utilizes bone graft tissue from an approved donor. If there is no appropriate donor, then the tissue can be drawn from a tissue bank which is where tissue harvested from cadavers is stored.
For more information on the types of bone grafts that are available, we are here to help. Give us a call today to discuss more.
So, you have already had some dental implants fitted but you are worried about experiencing additional tooth loss in the future. You may want to consider your options, in case you need to seek dental assistance later down the road. We will discuss if it is possible to add dental implants after tooth loss if you already have dental implants.
In total, a patient's mouth can hold 32 dental implants – one for each tooth. This ratio creates for a better distribution of tension when biting and chewing on food while giving adequate support to replacement teeth.
However, while one dental implant per tooth is best, they can often help support adjacent teeth. But only in cases where the patient has enough bone density and a dental bridge is fitted. Dental bridges can support several missing teeth and provides another option if the patient doesn't want to have several dental implants if it's not necessary.
Absolutely! As one dental implant can support one tooth, adding new dental implants will not cause any bad effects or differences in the overall outcome. It is recommended that if a patient experiences tooth loss, a replacement tooth is fitted as soon as possible.
When there is a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth can start drifting which can lead to long-term damage and ruin the appearance of the other teeth. It is also possible that opposing teeth can start loosening over time and result in receding gums. Gum recession will make it difficult for dental implants to be fitted in the future, so it is recommended to seek dental care early on.
If you are considering dental implants, our friendly and helpful team is ready to discuss your options. Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation.
Dental implants require ample space in the jaw in order for the screw to hold securely so that the implant can be placed. In most cases, dental implants are able to be replaced without modification, but when it comes to the frontal dental implants, there could be situations when a person will have to undergo a sinus lift prior to the implant.
The procedure of a sinus lift is a simple situation that needs to be done in order to create more space between the teeth and prevent overcrowding. When there is overcrowding there could be a chance of misalignment and this is what results in severe bacterial infections and gum diseases that are difficult to treat. Without a sinus lift, there is little space for the implants to fit. If the implant doesn't fit correctly, the implant will not last as long. Although everyone who gets dental implants may not require a sinus lift, this procedure may be required when you are getting dental implants at the back of your mouth only when there is less space.
A sinus lift is not a complicated procedure and it will not take up time because this is something that can be done along with the implant when a professional knows exactly what they are doing. Neither is it a painful procedure nor is it risky in any way. It is something that will help the dental implant last much longer and prove to be more functional. A well placed dental implant can help with full functionality of the jaw and this helps you to feel more comfortable when you are eating your food. If you are looking for dental implants for the top portion of your mouth, but you are not too sure whether or not you need a sinus lift prior to the procedure then you should visit us so we can take a look inside your mouth and decide.
People often ask what type of conditions oral surgeons specialize in, along with what procedures are most common. The fact of the matter is that we offer a number of unique and highly beneficial services, along with helping to care for multiple dental and lower facial area issues. While it would be impossible to list them all, here are a couple of the more frequent practices of oral surgeons:
There are few things more important than having a healthy and functional smile. Everything from self-esteem to proper nutrition are dependent on having a mouthful of not only pretty, but strong teeth as well. When people have missing or severely decayed teeth, it affects every aspect of their life, from personal to work to social.
They are often times embarrassed to talk or laugh, making them seem standoffish when in actuality they are simply hesitant to engage others in social situations due to the lack of confidence they have about their appearance. And in the case of their dietary needs, weak or unstable teeth often times are unable to provide the strength to properly chew and break down food particles, leading to the sufferer eating less often and in smaller portions.
This is something that everybody hates to have done, but at some point or another in life, nearly everyone has to go through it. The consequences of waiting too long can be anything from excruciating pain to damage to other teeth by impacting and crowding them. This is a very common, yet very necessary procedure provided by these surgical specialists.
To learn more about the various services provided by our skilled oral surgeons, just call our clinic and someone will be glad to answer any questions or set up a time where you can come speak to a specialist in person.
