Titanium Implants

Titanium dental implants are the gold standard modality for replacing missing teeth, including for supporting complete dentures. The prostheses may be fixed or removable. If your tooth/teeth has/have been missing for a very long time or have been lost due to an injury, your implant placement may need to be preceded by bone grafting.

For the completely edentulous patient, the ALL-ON-4TM concept is offered as a one-day treatment, and the patient is able to chew soft foods the same day. It has been tested and scientifically documented, it often avoids major bone grafting procedures, and is more affordable than the traditional procedures for implanting fixed teeth. We will advise you on the best dental implant rehabilitation approach for your case, whether it be using 4 implants or more, zygomatic implants, as well as the pertinence of bone augmentation procedures.

Prefer Ceramic Implants? Read More.

Ceramic Implants:
For those rare patients with a titanium alloy hypersensitivities, or for patients who prefer to avoid metal implants, Zirconia implants are available for certain situations. We are closely monitoring the development and availability of various sizes and brands of these implants on the Canadian market.

What you can do to maximize the success rate of your dental implants:
1. Ensure that your vitamin D level is normal PRIOR to your surgical procedure.
2. Ensure that your LDL level (bad cholesterol) are low/normal.
3. Make sure your mouth, teeth and gums are as clean as possible prior to your appointment.
4. Avoid wearing make-up or facial cream for your procedure.
5. Eat healthy foods leading up, and after your procedure.


PERI-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-op:
1. Be well fed and hydrated on the days leading up to your implant surgery. During the winter months, or if your spend most of your time indoors, we recommend that you take Vitamin D 2000 IU/day for at least 1 week prior to your implant surgery.
2. Men should ideally be well-shaved and women without cosmetic make-up. Your face and neck should be washed with soap and water prior to showing up for your appointment.
3. Your teeth should be flossed and brushed, using conventional toothpaste. If you were prescribed an antibacterial mouth wash prior to the operation, please rinse with one tablespoon (15-20mL) prior to your appointment.
4. If you are scheduled to have your implant surgery under intravenous sedation, do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your surgical time.
5. Your surgeon will discuss your regular medications with you, as well as prophylactic antibiotics, at your initial consultation.

Post-op:
Bleeding
Mild bleeding is expected for ~48 hours following oral surgery. If bleeding occurs, place a clean gauze pad, or a moist tea bag, directly over the bleeding site and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. Avoid hot liquids, exercise, and lying flat for ~ 5 days. If bleeding persists, call the doctor immediately.

Swelling
The area operated will swell, reaching a maximum on day 3. Swelling and discoloration around the lips, cheeks, and even eyes may occur. Apply ice packs externally over the face for the first 2 days. Sleep with your head elevated above your chest for the first 5 days (use 2 or 3 pillows under your head when lying down).

Pain
For mild discomfort, take Advil/Motrin/Ibuprofen or Tylenol/Acetaminophen as instructed on the bottle. For severe pain, use the prescriptions given to you. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.

Hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth for the first day after surgery, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt-water rinse (1 tablespoon in 1 cup) every 4 hours and after meals. Vigorous spitting is prohibited; instead, lean over the sink and allow liquids to passively flow out of your mouth. It is expected that you brush your teeth gently, while avoiding the surgical areas.

Nutrition
Drink lots of clear fluids throughout the first 2 days after surgery. Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance the consistency of your diet; this usually begins on day 5 or 6.

Infection
If you have a high fever or uncontrollable pain, please contact the doctor directly. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, someone must accompany you to the emergency department of the nearest hospital or call 911. Your doctor must also be called.