Safe Dental Implant Surgery in Manhattan
The idea of undergoing a surgical procedure can be daunting or overwhelming. However, our Manhattan implant dentists provide safe and comfortable dental implant surgery for those needing to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
If you’re ready to get new teeth and want to see if dental implants are best for you, contact Downtown Dental Group, your friendly Manhattan dental practice today by calling (785) 776-0097 and setting up an appointment. Dr. Juliana Hall and Dr. Benjamin Reckmeyer are two of the best dentists in Manhattan and will ensure that your smile goals are met.
How Dental Implant Procedures Work
Initial Consultation
The first step in receiving dental implants is to schedule an initial consultation with one of our implant dentists in Manhattan. During this appointment, they’ll examine your mouth and take digital X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implant treatment. They’ll also discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure that the dental implant surgery is safe for you.
Supplemental Procedures
For some patients, additional procedures may be recommended before they can move forward with replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Procedures such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafting are common for those suffering from low jawbone density or who have underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease.
These supplemental procedures can be performed before or during the dental implant process, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of their case. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reckmeyer will evaluate your specific situation and determine if any additional procedures are necessary to ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.
In some cases, dental implants may not be right for you. Our dental specialists may recommend other restorative dentistry treatments, such as removable dentures or a dental bridge.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have sedation dentistry for added comfort. Sedation and local anesthesia options are discussed at the initial consultation. During the dental implant procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums and carefully place the dental implant post into the jawbone. The post will then be left to heal and integrate with the bone in the coming months.
Depending on your dentist, they may perform the dental implant surgery with the help of 3D scanning technology, or even laser technology.
Recovery Period
During the recovery period, the post will begin the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is a natural process where the bone around the dental implant post begins to fuse with the jawbone. This process is essential for the implant to be secure and stable. It takes about several months for osseointegration to be completed.
The healing time for osseointegration varies for each patient, but you’ll be able to return to your normal routine after a few days. Make sure to stick to a soft foods diet and follow any instructions provided by your oral surgeon. You may have some discomfort or swelling for a few days to a week.
Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.
Final Restoration Placement
Once the post has fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to our Manhattan dental office for the final restoration placement appointment. Your custom restoration, a dental crown, bridge, or supported denture will be ready for placement. The final restoration will be securely attached to the post to look and function just like natural teeth. You’ll leave the dental office with a brand-new, beautiful smile that you’ll love.
Immediate Post-Operative Care (First 24-48 Hours)
During the first 24-48 hours after your dental implant surgery, it’s crucial to follow these detailed aftercare instructions:
- Apply ice packs to the surgical area (side of the face) for the first 48 hours. Use the ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off to reduce swelling effectively. Bags of frozen peas can work well as an alternative to ice packs.
- Bite down gently on gauze pads to control bleeding. If you have a removable denture, place gauze in the molar region and bite down. Continue this process until active bleeding stops.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after surgery. This helps prevent dislodging the blood clot and disrupting the healing process.
- Stick to a soft food diet. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods that might irritate the surgical site or get stuck in your teeth. Cut soft foods into small pieces and consider pureed options.
- Take prescribed medications as directed. This may include antibiotics and pain medication. Always take these with a full glass of water and soft foods to avoid stomach upset.
Long-Term Care After Your Dental Implant Surgery
Even months and years after your dental implant surgery is complete, it’s essential to take great care of your overall oral health and hygiene to ensure proper healing and reduce your chance of complications arising. Here are some detailed tips to help you maintain your dental implants for the long term:
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
- Adhere to all post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist, dental specialist, or oral surgeon.
- Continue following any specific cleaning techniques or dietary restrictions recommended for your implants.
- Use any prescribed medications or special oral care products as directed.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
- Quit smoking or significantly reduce tobacco use, as it can weaken bones and gum tissues supporting the implants.
- Nicotine restricts blood flow and oxygen to oral tissues, impeding the healing process and osseointegration.
- Limit alcohol consumption, especially in the first few months after surgery, as it may disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to implant failure.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants.
- Floss twice daily, using special floss or interdental brushes designed for cleaning around implants.
- Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help reduce plaque and prevent gum inflammation.
- Consider using specialized cleaning tools recommended by your dentist to remove food particles from around and under the artificial teeth.
Attend Follow-up Appointments
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist, typically every three to six months for the first year after implant placement.
- After the first year, maintain routine dental visits at least twice annually.
- During these appointments, your dentist will:
- Examine your implants and surrounding tissues
- Check for signs of inflammation or infection
- Evaluate your bite and alignment
- Perform professional cleaning
- Take X-rays to ensure proper bone integration
Additional Long-Term Care Tips
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your implants or restorations.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth to protect your implants from excessive force.
- Be aware of any changes in your implant site, such as pain, swelling, or looseness, and report them to your dentist promptly.
- Consider using a water flosser or oral irrigator for thorough cleaning around implants.
By following these long-term care guidelines, you can significantly increase the longevity and success of your dental implants, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary before the implant is placed during surgery.
On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the prosthetic tooth or other replacement teeth, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.
Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the implant site, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.
The purpose of dental implants is to replace missing teeth. When a tooth is lost because of injury, decay, or other reasons, it can hurt a person’s oral health and quality of life. Dental implants provide a permanent, durable replacement tooth, improving your smile’s function and appearance.
Start Your Smile Journey With Dental Implants
Do you still have questions about the dental implant procedure? Contact our Manhattan implant dentists today. With years of experience in implant dentistry, they’ll answer any questions you may have about the dental procedure and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Call our dental office at (785) 776-0097 to schedule your appointment. Our dedicated team is eager to assist patients from Manhattan and surrounding areas such as Riley, Zeandale, Junction City, and St. George, KS, in their journey toward restoring their smiles and confidence. We can’t wait to see you smiling again!
