Recommendations for caring for dental implants after installation and during use

Implantation is a method of replacing lost teeth by installing an artificial titanium root (implant) into the jaw bone. With one-stage implantation, the crown is installed immediately after the introduction of the titanium rod, with two-stage implantation - after engraftment. We install Nobel Biocare implants, the patient receives a lifetime guarantee . But for the operation to go smoothly, you need to carefully prepare for it. And proper care from the moment of installation to the fixation of permanent dentures is a guarantee of successful implantation and good health of the patient.

Why is it important to care for dental implants?

Careful care of artificial teeth is important for the survival of titanium roots. After the implantation of the structures, a restructuring occurs in the bone tissue, and the body adapts to the presence of a foreign body. It is important that nothing interferes with the integration of the implant. Engraftment slows down due to chronic diseases, trophic disorders, and inflammatory changes.

Improper care after fixing the crown creates a risk of periodontal disease. Bacterial plaque accumulates in areas under the crown, which disrupts the balance of beneficial and harmful microflora in the mouth. When the latter predominates, inflammation develops. It passes from the gums to bone tissue with the development of periostitis or peri-implantitis. In these conditions, implant failure is likely.

Patients at risk need to be especially careful, since they have trophic or immune disorders even before the introduction of titanium roots. This negatively affects the healing of implants, slowing down the process. There is already a risk of rejection, but if hygiene rules are violated, it increases significantly. The risk group includes:

• pregnant women;
• patients with diabetes mellitus, low immunity;
• allergy sufferers;
• persons with alcohol, drug, or nicotine addiction;
• people exposed to chronic stress.

The dangers of improper care

The success of implantation depends on the dentist and the patient. Early complications are largely caused by the implantologist’s mistakes. Therefore, it is better to choose a clinic where highly qualified doctors work and their work is guaranteed.

Responsibility for long-term consequences falls on the patient. In the vast majority of cases, complications after implantation occur due to insufficient hygiene.

Pathogenic microflora causes:

• Mucositis
  . This is an inflammation of the gingival cuff. Caused by bacteria accumulating on the head of the implant. The gums turn red, swell, and ulcers appear. If measures are not taken, inflammation from soft tissues spreads to hard tissues.
• Peri-implantitis
  differs from mucositis in that it affects bone tissue. As a result of the inflammatory process, its density decreases and the pin becomes loose.

Example of peri-implantitis on x-ray

Treatment includes excision of the affected tissue, disinfection, anti-inflammatory and physical therapy. In advanced cases, the implant must be removed.

Following a simple recommendation: brushing your teeth thoroughly after implantation will help prevent complications and loss of the implant.

What to do in the first days after surgery

Rehabilitation begins immediately after installation of the implants and lasts 6-7 months until complete implantation. The first 2 weeks are the most important. As a result of the intervention, an open wound forms in the patient’s mouth, into which infection can easily penetrate. Do not place excessive stress on the artificial root or jaw.

How to avoid swelling

The cut gum tissue swells, which is considered normal. Swelling occurs 2-4 days after surgery and persists for several days. To prevent and reduce swelling, we recommend applying cold to the cheek for 5-10 minutes with 20-minute breaks during the first two days.

When implanting implants in the upper jaw or after a sinus lift, you need to cough, sneeze and blow your nose carefully, without opening your mouth wide, without puffing out your cheeks, and avoiding pneumatics inside the nose and sinuses.

Oral care

Hygienic care of implants in the first days involves exclusively rinsing with antiseptics prescribed by a doctor. The patient is allowed to brush his teeth with a new brush with soft or medium-hard bristles outside the implantation area. If a crown is installed immediately, the structure is cleaned with a soft brush, without pressure and without affecting the gums. An electric brush cannot be used after surgery, as it can easily damage the stitches. Due to vibration, the implants become loose and the structure may break.

Hygienic treatment is carried out twice a day and after meals. The following points are taken into account:

• Before removing the stitches, vigorous rinsing with antiseptics is prohibited;
• Only oral baths are allowed;
• Using dental floss or superfloss in between teeth.

Taking antibiotics and other drugs

It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and follow the dosage regimen indicated in the leaflet:

• Antibiotics after implantation

  With meals, 1 tablet 2 times a day for a week. When using antibiotics, adhere to the prescribed dose, regimen and course of treatment. You cannot stop taking it before the due date. This can lead to complications.

• Medicine "Nimesil"

  2 powders 2 times a day after meals for 6 days. Painkillers are taken when it hurts. Powders are consumed after meals to reduce the risk of irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. You should not take painkillers more often than once every 6 hours (unless your doctor gives other recommendations).

• Antihistamines "Tavegil" or "Suprastin"

  1 tablet 2 times a day for 6 days. The drugs reduce the risk of allergies and swelling.

  Read also:  Modern methods of dental treatment in dentistry

Postoperative nutrition

Avoid hot foods until the anesthesia wears off. If you eat or drink something too hot, you can accidentally burn your gums because they won't feel the temperature.

In the first two days, do not drink coffee: it increases blood pressure and this can lead to bleeding. This also explains the requirement to exclude alcohol and smoking.

Within 10 days after surgery, to strengthen injured bone tissue, include calcium-containing foods in your diet: cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt.

Do not eat salty, spicy, very hot or frozen foods, as well as rough foods - crackers, nuts. The load on the teeth should be reduced as much as possible, so you should avoid foods that require careful active chewing - for example, tough meat.

The best option for a postoperative diet is pureed, semi-liquid, moderately warm food (soups, cereals, smoothies), or finely chopped.

After the operation, the patient receives a package of “NB AFTER” medications for treatment at home.

Doctors at our Center instruct each patient after surgery and issue general and individual recommendations. You will find them in printed form in the “NB AFTER” box along with the prescribed medications.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Chief physician, Ph.D.

Nutrition rules

It is important to pay close attention to your diet. After surgery, it is not recommended to eat for 2 hours . As time passes, it is permissible to eat warm and soft foods and avoid spicy foods. List of recommendations:

• chew on the opposite side of the sutures;
• before eating, apply Solcoseryl dental adhesive paste to the seams;
• after eating, make oral baths for 2-3 minutes with a solution of “Chlorhexidine”;
• when implanting dental implants, do not eat solid foods that change the position of the restoration stimulators installed along the neck of the implant;
• Limit food that requires active chewing.

Do not use:

• solid foods (apples, cucumbers);
• fibrous meat;
• hot dishes;
• cold dishes;
• spices.

You need to eat soft, easily digestible food of uniform consistency. It is better not to consume berries and purees with crushed seeds.

Lifestyle

Immediately after implantation, the patient should not smoke or drink alcohol. Bad habits have a bad effect on trophic processes and the functioning of the immune system, and negatively affect osseointegration.

In the first days after surgery, it is advisable to sleep on your back or on the side opposite to the implantation site. After tissue fusion, this limitation is removed.

From the first days and during the first month after the operation, the following are prohibited:

• visits to a sauna or bathhouse, hypothermia - weaken the immune system;
• air travel - especially after implantation with simultaneous sinus lift;
• loads - you cannot lift weights, overexert yourself physically or mentally, light physical labor or exercise in the pool is allowed.

If there is pain

Painful sensations when swallowing and opening the mouth are considered normal after dental implantation. The intensity differs for each patient. We focus on the fact that moderate pain, which can be relieved with painkillers, can be considered normal.

You need to contact the coordinator or attending physician using your personal code through the 24-hour medical post service if, after taking the drug:

• the pain does not go away or gets worse;
• the bleeding from the wound does not stop;
• body temperature does not decrease for 2-3 days;
• the feeling of numbness persists for more than 4 hours.

The support contact number is printed on the advice sheet that we issue after implantation. Don't hesitate to call and ask any questions!

Implantation of 3 teeth, E.max ceramic crowns

Attending doctor

Strigin Vladimir Igorevich

Find out the price

Why do headaches occur after dental implantation?

Surgery is accompanied by various ailments, including headaches. This is due to the activation of the body's immune system. In some patients, along with pain, body temperature rises.

Normally, the head may hurt for three days. At this time, you need to take painkillers. If the symptom persists for more than four days, it may indicate inflammation around the implant or an allergic reaction to metals.

If, in addition to pain in the mouth, there is a metallic taste, bitterness, sleep is disturbed, and constant weakness is felt, then you should consult a doctor.

How to care during the engraftment stage

A few days after implantation, the integration of the artificial root into the jawbone (engraftment) begins. Careful care is necessary, but measures are becoming less frequent.

After swelling disappears and acute inflammation stops, you can use a toothbrush. It must be soft and not scratch the gums, but touching the seams with it is still undesirable. It is important to clean between teeth after eating. To do this, use a brush or rinse aid.

For patients with complete edentia at the stage of implant healing, doctors recommend using a removable denture, which also needs to be looked after:

• must be rinsed with water after every meal
• brush daily with a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste
• Soak 2-3 times a week in a special solution to eliminate bacteria and preserve beauty.

With removable temporary dentures, the plastic saddle base should not put pressure on the sutures. If you feel pressure, you should not wear the prosthesis without correction! You need to contact us at the clinic. Swelling of the gums after surgery exacerbates the discrepancy between the crowns and the new gum contour. This is the norm, but requires correction.

Antibiotics and other medications after dental implantation

Antibacterial drugs are prescribed to prevent the development of infection. Some doctors believe that you should only take antibiotics if you are at high risk, for example, if your immune system is reduced, you have chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, periodontitis, or you have had several implants installed at once. However, many dentists insist on the need for antibiotic therapy.

For the purpose of prevention, broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed: penicillins, cephalosporins. The doctor can prescribe any available drugs: Lincomycin, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, Tsifran ST. Antibiotics must be taken strictly according to the schedule, in the appropriate dosage.

To prevent or relieve inflammatory processes, ointments or gels for external use are prescribed: Metronidazole, Solcoseryl. The latter drug improves metabolic processes in tissues and promotes rapid healing of wounds.

In the first weeks of the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to rinse your mouth after eating with antiseptic solutions: Chlorhexidine, Miramistin and their analogues. You can prepare decoctions of medicinal herbs: oak bark, chamomile, calendula, sage.

Rules of care after installation of a crown or prosthesis

To clean orthopedic structures (crowns, bridges) on implants, you need to use a non-electric toothbrush, mouthwash, and an oral hygiene device - an irrigator.

Crowns

When restoring lost teeth, crowns can be installed immediately after implantation or after the implantation of an artificial root. Caring for the crown after surgery involves cleaning its surface with a soft brush. The base cannot be vigorously cleaned.

After the implants have healed, care comes down to brushing on all sides, especially in the area between the crown and the gum. This is where plaque and bacteria accumulate. Hygienic treatment is carried out twice a day. Dental floss cannot be used due to the risk of damaging the gums and exposing the titanium root, which can lead to rejection of the material.

Bridges

Orthopedic bridge structures are installed in case of complete or multiple edentia on several implants. Such dentures require more careful care. Superficial cleansing involves the use of a toothbrush and mouthwash. Dirt and food debris from the gums are removed using a monotuft brush or brush, or an irrigator.

Related articles:

• Guarantees of our Center
• Engraftment of implants
• Our advantages

Daily hygiene rules

Key features of daily oral care:

• It is allowed to clean the oral cavity using a new soft toothbrush no earlier than 24-48 hours after surgery;
• treat the implant installation area very carefully, avoiding contact with the sutures;
• it is important to remove plaque from the surface of the tongue;
• 48-72 hours after each meal, you must use mouthwash;
• the highest quality cleaning is performed using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution;
• The first time after installation of the implant, the injured area must be treated with Chlorhexidine (0.5%) in the form of applications and baths.

Hygiene products at different stages

At each stage of dental restoration, the doctor gives the patient recommendations for care and treatment, recommends devices and gives instructions for use. You cannot ignore the advice of an implantologist, because the engraftment of titanium roots and the service life of the products may depend on this.

Toothbrush

The brush is used for basic cleaning of the oral cavity. Immediately after treatment, only soft brushes can be used. After the implants have healed, the use of medium-hard brushes is allowed. It is important to change the device regularly.

Toothpaste

The implantologist gives recommendations to the patient regarding toothpaste for caring for implants. It should have a soft, uniform consistency, reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Conventional pastes are not suitable. Some of them are abrasive. They can damage the orthopedic structure. It is better to give preference to medicinal pastes.

Irrigator

The irrigator provides high-quality cleaning of the surface of the teeth, as well as interdental spaces, gum pockets, and the pores of the material from which the prosthesis is made. The device operates on mains power or battery power. The principle of operation is based on the supply of liquid under pressure, due to which it reaches hard-to-reach places. You can use the irrigator only after the implants have completely healed. Implantologists recommend cleaning the oral cavity with clean water, as well as special solutions. In addition to cleaning, the irrigator provides a light massage of soft tissues.

Cleaners

Brushes are small thin brushes of various shapes and lengths. They are designed for manual cleaning of hard-to-reach places (interdental spaces, the inside of the crown). There are cylindrical and cone-shaped brushes. The products are best used to clean the areas between the teeth, as well as the top of the implants at the point of contact with the gums. Curved brushes are suitable for cleaning the inside of bridges.

Dental floss

Flosses can be used only after the gums have completely healed, in consultation with your doctor. Regular dental floss can easily injure soft tissue, so after implantation it is better to use a series designed specifically for this. Such threads consist of a guide tip, sections of spongy and classic dental fiber. They are safe for soft tissues and easily penetrate even the narrowest areas between teeth. Suitable for cleaning the abutment and crown surface.

Cleaning process using a brush

The gums and the implant are treated. You can use a classic or electric soft toothbrush. To clean the space between teeth, special brushes with a narrow and thin nozzle are used, which effectively remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas.

The movements should be circular, and the plaque should be removed from the bottom up. To treat the inner surface of the teeth, sweeping movements are performed. The place where the implant contacts the gum deserves special attention.

Frequency of scheduled control

The patient is required to regularly visit the implantologist from the moment the artificial root is placed. The visit schedule for each patient is individual, but the average time frame is as follows:

• 3 days after implantation

  The doctor assesses the patient’s condition, the intensity of inflammation, and, if necessary, prescribes medication

• 10-14 day

  The implantologist removes the sutures and assesses the quality of tissue regeneration

• 4-6 months

  The doctor installs a gum former to make it look beautiful

• 7 months

  An implantologist installs an artificial crown

Rules of nutrition after implantation

You will have to make adjustments to your usual diet in order to extend the life of the implants and not spoil them. Be careful with hard vegetables or fruits - for example, it is better to grate carrots first. At the same time, the food should not be too soft - the teeth require chewing load.

When eating meat, the veins can become clogged under the denture and will be difficult to remove. The same applies to nuts. Minimize the consumption of coloring products: wine, berries, beets, coffee; if consumed excessively, they can change the color of the artificial crown. Avoid temperature changes: for example, after hot tea you should not eat ice cream.

When should you see a doctor outside of your plan?

After implantation of a titanium root, as well as for the entire life of the structure, the patient faces a risk of complications. Regular examinations allow you to identify early adverse signs and begin treatment. An unscheduled examination by a doctor is needed if:

• for no apparent reason the temperature rose, weakness, chills appeared;
• when touching the implantation area, discomfort and pain occur;
• there was a feeling of numbness;
• the temporal joint functions poorly (crunches, hurts, the mouth does not open);
• the prosthesis is damaged;
• the bridge or crown has moved;
• there is pain when chewing;
• gums are red and bleeding;
• there was an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

When are sutures removed after dental implantation?

The date of suture removal is determined by the doctor, focusing on the condition of the gum tissue. Usually the procedure is prescribed after 10 - 14 days. If the wound does not heal well, this time can be increased to three weeks.

Sutures should not remain in the gums for too long, as this can lead to the development of inflammatory processes. Self-absorbing suture material does not need to be removed.

How to remove stitches:

• treat the oral mucosa with antiseptics;
• cut the thread stitches in half;
• remove the cut material with tweezers;
• antiseptic treatment is repeated;
• apply a sterile bandage.

Small wounds in the gums heal after one or two days. At this time, discomfort and pain may occur.

If the stitches come apart, they are removed immediately. This phenomenon usually occurs with severe inflammation.

Precautions for patients with bad habits

Already a year after implantation, almost all restrictions on lifestyle and nutrition are lifted from the patient. It is important to remember that artificial teeth require careful treatment. It is necessary to monitor the state of personal health so as not to provoke rejection of titanium roots.

Stop smoking

Resins, combustion products, carcinogens, and other chemicals stain dentures, causing them to lose their aesthetic properties. Under the influence of nicotine, the production of saliva is disrupted, due to which the protective properties are reduced. For smokers, the risk of developing periodontal diseases is higher, since trophic processes in the tissues worsen.

After implantation, the patient should not smoke for 2 weeks (before the sutures are removed) so as not to slow down tissue regeneration. After complete healing, smoking is possible, but not advisable. If a person cannot give up a bad habit, he should reduce the number of cigarettes, switch to less harmful substitutes, and also improve oral hygiene.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol negatively affects the immune system, and therefore increases the risk of implant rejection. In a state of alcoholic intoxication, the risk of damage to dentures increases (from hard food or during hygiene). There is a higher likelihood of severe injuries to the oral mucosa and jawbone (during a fall or fight).

The relationship between prosthesis care and its service life

The duration of use of the implant depends on two categories of factors - objective and subjective. Objective factors are:

• technical characteristics and features of the prosthesis;
• quality of medicines and equipment used;
• installation features and sterility.

Subjective factors:

• regular visits to a specialist;
• proper care of the denture and oral cavity;
• lifestyle – sports, bad habits, etc.

The service life of high-quality implants reaches 15-25 years, and crowns can last from 8 to 10 years. Failure to comply with key hygiene rules significantly reduces the service life of these elements.

Possible complications if you do not follow the recommendations

Violation of the rules for caring for implants is fraught with peri-implantitis. This is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the artificial root. Inflammatory changes affect soft tissues and bone, which can lead to implant rejection.

If an artificial rod is rejected, long treatment and complex measures to restore the bone are required.

Lack of hygiene provokes the accumulation of plaque on crowns, changes in their color, and deterioration in the aesthetics of a smile. Even professional cleaning cannot cope with stains and mechanical damage, so the orthopedic design has to be changed.

Visit doctor

With classic implantation, a schedule of visits to the dentist is drawn up. After installing the titanium rod, the patient comes to the clinic on the third day. The doctor examines the oral cavity and, if inflammation is suspected, prescribes medications. Next visit in 7 - 10 days to remove stitches. After the implants have healed (from 4 months to six months), the patient again comes to the doctor to install a gum former. After one month, an abutment is placed on which an artificial crown is secured.

With one-stage treatment protocols, implants are loaded with prostheses almost immediately. However, the doctor appoints a day for the patient to visit to check the condition of the implantation systems and tissues.

Subsequently, it is necessary to visit the dental clinic twice or at least once a year for a preventive examination.

Prevention of implant rejection

The service life of implantation systems is at least 15 years; some models are guaranteed for life. However, under certain conditions the implant may fail. Such cases range from 1 to 5%, depending on the brand and other reasons. Not the least place in this complication is the responsibility of the patients themselves.

What you need to do to prevent rejection:

• follow all medical recommendations, take medications prescribed by your doctor;
• brush your teeth twice a day, additionally use brushes and dental floss to clean hard-to-reach places, use mouth rinses;
• undergo a preventive examination at the dentist twice a year, have your teeth professionally cleaned;
• treat dental diseases in a timely manner, since the infection can penetrate the dental tissues and cause peri-implantitis;
• treat other chronic diseases, especially diabetes, heart disease, vascular disease, pathology of the immune and endocrine systems;
• eat well, strengthen the immune system, observe sleep and rest patterns;
• give up bad habits, smoking, drinking alcohol.

If pain appears in the area where the implant is installed, and the gums become red and swollen, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the bone tissue is not affected, then the problem can be eliminated with drug therapy. Otherwise, the implant will have to be removed.

How to prepare for implant placement

If the patient ignores the recommendations for preparation, the doctor may postpone the operation. The desire and ability to keep teeth clean are mandatory requirements before installing implants. Basic rules for preparing for surgery:

• Before surgery, at least 2 hours must pass after eating. Also, implants are not installed on a full stomach. The optimal time for a meal is 2.5-3 hours before a visit to the implantologist.
• You should not drink alcohol during the day before surgery. If the patient is nervous before surgery, the doctor may prescribe a sedative. However, he must know about the medications he has taken in the last 24 hours—taking medications without a prescription is not recommended.
• Before visiting the clinic, your teeth should be cleaned. Before implantation, the oral cavity is treated with an antibacterial solution. If desired, the patient can additionally use dental floss half an hour before the procedure.
• A positive attitude is important before surgery. Self-hypnosis can delay the process for many hours. A good mood will make the dentist’s work easier and speed up the work.

Implants cannot be installed if you are sick. If pathologies of the gums or teeth are detected, an additional examination by a therapist is required. Before the procedure, you will need complete sanitation of the oral cavity and professional cleaning. This will prolong the preparatory stage.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Don't worry: it's completely normal to feel some discomfort. But be sure to pay attention to the signals your body sends. If in doubt, contact support to find out if your symptoms are normal. Be attentive to your teeth and your body as a whole - remember that implants, the entire jaw system, and you yourself need some time for rehabilitation.

Postoperative consequences and complications

This section discusses the most popular questions about conditions that arise during or in the first days after the installation of implants. Please note that it is very important to distinguish between the concepts of “consequences” (this is the norm, since tissue injury occurs during surgery) and “complications” (they are a pathological condition that requires immediate consultation with a doctor).

During the operation, I heard the doctors and felt that they were doing something in my mouth, although without pain, but I should have been sleeping, why?

You need to understand the difference between concepts such as “sedation” and “general anesthesia.”
General anesthesia is a complete shutdown of consciousness and the patient's immersion in sleep. As a rule, it is carried out by inhalation. Breathing is provided by an artificial lung ventilation device (ALV). Therefore, when using general anesthesia, the patient does not hear or feel anything. Sedation can be xenon (superficial, essentially to calm and saturate the body’s cells with oxygen), as well as intravenous. In the second case, certain anesthetics are introduced into the body (selected individually), their dosage is calculated based on the patient’s weight, his state of health, and the duration of the procedure. If necessary, the drug can be reintroduced during surgery. At the same time, local anesthesia is used.

The Smile-at-Once Clinic has an agreement with a specialized and licensed service of professional anesthesiologists. The ambulance and the team of doctors are certified within the framework of the standards and are an ambulance substation. Therefore, treatment under general anesthesia and intravenous sedation is carried out under the strict supervision of specialized specialists.

The difference between sedation and general anesthesia is that the patient retains the ability to breathe on his own, there are no involuntary reflexes of the respiratory tract (coughing, swallowing), unlike anesthesia, the patient is conscious and can, if necessary, follow the doctor’s instructions.

Since sedation uses more gentle drugs (unlike general anesthesia), the patient does not fall asleep, but relaxes. The action is individual: someone falls asleep for several hours, someone plunges into a state of complete relaxation. If you belong to the second type, then you will really feel everything that happens in the oral cavity. But all procedures are painless, since high-quality local anesthesia is used. And the sensations remain at the level of “moving instruments” in the oral cavity.

I just returned home from implantation and my cheek started to swell. Is this normal and what can I do?

This is a normal process caused by tissue trauma during implant installation. The swelling reaches its peak on the 3rd day, after which it should gradually subside. If the situation is opposite, be sure to consult a doctor. To reduce swelling, you need to apply a cold compress for the first two hours, repeating the course throughout the day if necessary.

The wound bleeds even several hours after the operation. This is fine?

If the bleeding is minor, there is nothing to worry about. You can stop it by applying a piece of sterile gauze to the wound and closing your jaws tightly. Remember not to rinse your mouth, actively move your jaw, chew, suck or swallow forcefully - all of this can increase bleeding.

If 3-5 hours after surgery the bleeding not only does not decrease, but also intensifies, you need to consult a doctor.

Yesterday I had an operation, and today I woke up with blood on my pillow, and the bleeding appears periodically throughout the day, what should I do?

Occasional bleeding is normal up to 7 days after surgery, but usually goes away within 2-3 days. We strongly recommend sleeping in a horizontal position right away, with pillows on the sides of your head. If necessary, make a comfortable tilt angle of up to 30 degrees for yourself.

It is important to sleep strictly on your back, but if you accidentally turned your face to the side in your sleep and were in this position for a long time, then due to tissue compression, bleeding is possible, and depending on the load, even profuse bleeding. The main thing is that it stops within 1-2 hours after you take a vertical position. If the bleeding is persistent, be sure to contact Patient Services to arrange an unscheduled examination by your physician.

I feel uncomfortable in the lying position, I feel pressure in the jaw area and pulsation in my head. What to do?

Such sensations arise due to increased blood flow to the head. In this situation, try sleeping in a semi-sitting position (tilt up to 30 degrees) - use an additional pillow or place it under the mattress, increasing the inclination of the bed. This way the head will be at a higher level in relation to the body and the unpleasant sensations will subside. But it is advisable to fix your head so as not to throw it to the side.

I had bruises on my face – hematomas. Is this normal and how can I remove them?

Hematomas are a consequence of vascular injury during implant installation. They appear quite often after the installation of two-piece structures, as well as after zygomatic implants - they appear approximately 2-3 days after the operation. You have absolutely nothing to worry about - the color of the bruises will change as the tissue begins to recover. In the fight against swelling and bruises, various gels for resolving bruises, for example Badyaga Forte, will help you.

My lips are dry and have small cracks - what does this mean?

This is also a completely normal condition caused by a long stay in the dentist's chair and the lack of natural wetting of the mucous membranes. For the first two to three days, use petroleum jelly or a cream containing lanolin to relieve dry lips. A regular balm may not be enough - you need a cream that is as rich and moisturizing as possible. Also make sure you drink enough fluids.

I have increased salivation after having implants - is this normal?

Saliva is a very important biological medium for the organs and tissues of the oral cavity. It contains many enzymes that promote normal digestion and the formation of healthy oral microflora. The therapeutic norm is the production of liquid by saliva in the amount of 2 ml per ten minutes. In the case of implantation, especially during the period when the denture has not yet been installed, the patient may complain of hyperactivation of the secretory function of the salivary glands already when 5 ml is produced. This is a normal reaction to tissue injury as a result of implantation, especially if the operation was performed to restore a full row of teeth.

But increased salivation is also possible as a result of damage to the lingual nerve. Its symptoms are pain when swallowing, changes or complete loss of taste, numbness of the tongue and its biting, burning, drooling. If the integrity of the nerve is not compromised, but there is compression on the nerve or its sheath is damaged, then the unpleasant sensations are restored within a period of 7 days to 4 months. Otherwise, more time may be required for rehabilitation, and in case of extensive disruption of the integrity of the nerve bundle, microsurgical interventions may be required.

Failures in the functioning of the endocrine system are another common cause of hypersalivation. Usually, problems with the thyroid gland are to blame. The symptom can also be triggered by diabetes mellitus or hormonal changes - during menopause or puberty.

Part of my face is numb, it’s difficult to talk and open my mouth, does this mean that the nerve is damaged and how long will these sensations last?

Numbness is caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, its stretching, or injury - complete or partial intersection. In the case of sprain or compression without compromising the integrity of the trigeminal nerve, the sensations pass quite quickly - within up to 7 days as blood circulation in the bone tissue improves. But if there was partial damage to the fibers of the nerve bundle, then the rehabilitation process can take from 14 days to 6 months. In cases of severe trauma, implants may need to be reinstalled because the body of the implant interferes with the restoration of axons (processes) in the nerve bundles.

According to research, damage to the trigeminal nerve during dental implantation occurs in no more than 3% of patients, while only 1.7% are diagnosed with permanent neuropathy, requiring microsurgical correction of the situation.

In our clinic, before the operation, careful computer planning of the placement of implants is carried out, after which surgical templates are printed, protecting the patient and the doctor from incorrect installation of implants. Immediately or the next day after the operation, a control computed tomography is performed, on which a control commission (consilium of doctors), in accordance with international quality assessment protocols, compares the placement of implants with the original plan and makes a conclusion about the success of the operation, or makes recommendations to the attending physician on the need to take additional measures

Please note that there is no point in hiding the fact of damage to the trigeminal nerve for the doctor and the clinic; it will reveal itself anyway - this is the first thing. Secondly, even if this happened, the consequences are eliminated by properly selected therapy and joint work between the doctor and the patient.

Yes, if damage occurs, then the patient will have to undergo quite a long period of rehabilitation (up to 6 months), but in difficult clinical situations of complete absence of teeth and low quality bone tissue, the doctor works in very limited conditions, so, unfortunately, some consequences but not life-threatening and health dysfunction cannot always be avoided.

Do not confuse nerve damage with compression on it that occurs in the bone as a result of swelling after the installation of implants located close to the nerve endings. Compression goes away along with swelling and numbness in this situation is a normal reaction.

Most often, such symptoms typically appear 2-3 days after multiple implantations; they are a normal reaction to tissue injury when screwing in implants and damage to intraosseous capillaries. Improvements will be noticeable almost immediately after installing the prosthesis on the implants and activating the chewing load, and with it the restoration and blood circulation in the bones.

How long does it take for wounds to heal after implantation and for implants to take root?

The first phase is the healing of soft tissues. It takes about a week. Already after this stage you will feel much better. If the installation of implants was carried out in a minimally invasive way - using a protocol, then rehabilitation takes only 2-3 days. The second phase is osseointegration, that is, the direct engraftment of the implant into the bone tissue. It takes from 3 months to six months, in difficult situations up to 8-12 months - during this time the bone actively grows around the implants, strengthening their position.

Is it necessary to take antibiotics after implantation?

Antibacterial drugs are prescribed during major surgery in order to reduce the risk of developing inflammatory processes. In addition, they are mandatory for those patients in whom implantation was carried out against the background of periodontitis or inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues (cysts, granulomas, etc.) were diagnosed before the installation of implants. In other cases, you can limit yourself to vitamins, local anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines.

How normal is discharge from a postoperative wound?

If you had bone material or an RPF membrane grafted, if the doctor used healing drugs (for example, Alvostat), you should not panic - discharge from the wound in such situations is normal. But we still recommend that you contact support and discuss the nature of the discharge with your doctor.

Can stitches come apart after implants are installed?

This is a fairly rare phenomenon, the main reasons for which are excessive stress on the operated area, frequent touching of the wound with the tongue, and failure to comply with hygiene rules. As a rule, we use resorbable threads (dissolve on their own) - such sutures do not need to be removed. But in any case, after installing the implants, you will still visit the implantologist in the coming days - the attending physician will monitor your condition.

My temperature is elevated, it’s shocking. Do I need to see a doctor?

An increase in body temperature up to 39° in the first 3 days is a completely normal reaction of the body to external influences and the entry of a foreign body (in this case, an implant). It should not cause concern - in this way our body accelerates all tissue repair processes. But if the temperature subsided, you felt well, and then there was a sharp increase to 38-39°, you should immediately consult a doctor.

To drink or not to drink antipyretics - you must decide for yourself, based on your own well-being. Monitor your condition as each person handles fever differently.

Questions related to prosthetics

When implantation is carried out according to immediate loading protocols, the prostheses are installed immediately - within 3-4 days maximum. At first, you will experience some discomfort - and this is completely normal, because before treatment you lived for a long time without teeth, your bite has changed. Now it just takes time for both you and your jaw system to get used to the changes.

I'm not very comfortable chewing and talking with my new denture. Is this normal and how can I fix the situation?

Yes, it is normal. You haven’t had teeth for a long time, so the muscles have atrophied, the temporomandibular joint is used to functioning differently, so it takes time to adapt - you will get used to it. Due to the lack of teeth, the position of your tongue has also changed - it has adapted to the situation, so after installing the prosthesis, you experience difficulty pronouncing some sounds.

I have problems with diction after prosthetics, I have a lisp and cannot pronounce sounds, how can I fix this?

To restore your diction, pronounce tongue twisters and speak as much as possible. Place a few Sula lollipops (sugar-free) in your mouth and read aloud for 15-20 minutes, up to 3 times a day. In 1.5-2 weeks of regular training, you will completely restore your diction.

In addition, after the installation of implants, an adaptation period begins; the prosthesis itself is created specifically for it, so the design has characteristic disadvantages compared to a permanent future prosthesis. In particular, you may feel like your food is being crushed rather than chewed when chewing – this is also normal. In order to avoid excessive load on the implants and distribute it evenly, during the adaptation period, the orthopedist specially erases some of the tubercles on the chewing surface of the teeth. During re-prosthetics, the contact surfaces will be restored.

How long will I have to eat liquid food? When is it safe to start eating solids?

In the first days after implantation, food should really be as soft, liquid and puree as possible (baby food, soups, yoghurts). After installing the dentures, the same thing happens. But already 2-3 days after prosthetics, you need to start changing the consistency: replace the mashed potatoes with boiled potatoes and eat them in pieces, cottage cheese can be grained, meat is no longer baby food, but well-chopped cutlets. Firstly, it is important to independently monitor your feelings. Secondly, relatively solid foods should be introduced into the diet only after you begin to perform oral hygiene - it is necessary to remove food debris. Thirdly, in the first days you will regularly visit the doctor - he will monitor the quality of fixation of the prosthesis and the degree of stabilization of the implants, the healing of all tissues of the oral cavity, so he will be the one who will tell you when you can start eating solid food - based on your specific situation .

Read even more questions and answers about dental implantation in our separate collection of Frequently Asked Questions.