How long will I bleed after the procedure?
Significant bleeding will have stopped before you leave the clinic, however, expect to have some slight bleeding (oozing) for 1-3 days after the procedure. In addition, you will most likely notice increased salivation when we first put your denture(s) in. When this increased saliva mixes with a little blood, it can look like a lot of blood. If heavy bleeding continues, please call the office.
An old home remedy that still works really well to help clotting and stop bleeding is the use of tea bags. Just get a regular tea bag, get it damp, squeeze out the excess water, place it on your extraction site or sites, and the bags will help you clot. Multiple tea bags can be used if needed. Replace the tea bags if they get saturated with blood. This process can be repeated as many times as you need.
Do you offer this procedure with zirconia (non-metal) implants?
We do not currently offer this type of implant. While titanium implants have been around for decades with a long track record of success, zirconia implants are very new to the market, so we do not know what their success will be like long-term. We want the most successful, most predictable long-term results for our patients, and for these reasons, we do not offer zirconia implants at this time.
Can food get under my implant dentures(s)?
Yes, any prosthetic in the mouth will get some amount of food under it. The great thing about implant dentures is how easy they are to clean. Just take them out; clean the denture(s), your gums, and implants; and snap them back in.
How long should I take off work for recovery after my procedure?
Every patient is different. Some return to work the next day, others wait a week or two. Since there is always the chance of bruising and swelling, and you’ll need to get used to eating and speaking with your new teeth, the longer you can take off, the better.
Can you get snap-in dentures with bone loss?
Yes, you can still be a candidate for snap-in dentures even with bone loss. However, the severity of the bone loss may affect the stability and retention of the dentures. For many patients, a bone grafting procedure is an option to regenerate sufficient bone to place implants securely. We will assess your jawbone's condition, discuss your specific needs, and provide the best recommendations tailored to your situation.
What is a soft liner?
A soft liner is a cushion we place inside your denture to help it fit and feel better as your mouth heals and changes shape following extractions.
Am I too young for this procedure?
No, this is not just a procedure for the elderly. It’s actually quite common for people in their 40s, 30s, even 20s to need to replace their teeth. Replacing bad teeth can be hugely beneficial to your overall physical health. Also, having teeth that allow you to confidently smile, laugh, and converse can be hugely beneficial to your emotional health. Again, needing to replace teeth early in life is not uncommon at all.
What items should I have ready for after my procedure?
ice packs
wash cloths you don’t mind throwing away
comfortable clothes you don’t mind throwing away
soft foods such as:
soups
yogurt
cottage cheese
smoothies
protein shakes
eggs
mashed potatoes (gravy optional)
Once I have my implant teeth attached, will I know how to use them right away?
Just as you would need practice in order to get used to functioning with a prosthetic leg, it will require some practice and patience to get used to your new prosthetic teeth. With that being said, since they are attached with implants, your dentures will be much easier to get used to than regular dentures.
Will I know how to speak with my new teeth right away?
Again, this will take a little time, but with some patience and practice, your mouth and tongue will quickly adjust. S’s will be the toughest to pronounce. Practicing words like “Mississippi” and “sixty six” will help you get used to your new teeth. In some cases, patients may have a slight lisp long term with implant dentures.
Will my dentures still rock?
Some patients may experience very slight rocking with their dentures. For patient who have 2 lower implants, these must be placed in the front of the jaw making it possible for some rocking to occur. A dab of adhesive at the back on each side of the lower denture will usually take care of this.
I can’t stand having the roof of my mouth covered. What are my options?
In this case, your best bet would either be snap-in implant dentures or All-On-4.
Are implant dentures removable?
Yes. Having removable implant dentures makes cleaning them very convenient. Just take them out; clean the denture(s), your gums, and implants; and snap them back in.
Can titanium dental implants fail, and if so, what can cause them to fail?
While titanium dental implants do have a 95+% success rate, yes, they can still fail. Some of the things that can cause them to fail:
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failure to integrate into the bone
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smoking
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diabetes
If an implant fails within the first year, your dentist will replace it at no charge to you.
What is involved in maintenance of implant dentures?
Snaps - periodically you’ll need to change out the snap rings in your implant dentures. These wear and lose retention over time and as you take your teeth in and out. They’re quick and affordable to have changed out.
Cleanings - just like with natural teeth, you’ll need to have your implants cleaned periodically. Any buildup on your implants will be removed and your dentures will be cleaned.
Periodic re-fittings – your mouth will still change over time, so your dentures will need to be re-fitted to ensure their best performance and ensure that unnecessary stress isn’t being put on your implants.
Home maintenance - it only takes a few minutes a day. Take your dentures out 1-2 times per day and brush them with a denture brush or very soft bristled toothbrush. Also, don’t forget to clean your implants. scrub these with a very soft dental brush also.