Tips for dental implants, worry-free teeth

Author: Shi Yajing Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Gao Weimin, deputy chief physician, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University

Dental implant surgery refers to the implantation of an implant similar to the root of a natural tooth in the jawbone or under the periosteum of the edentulous area, and then connecting the upper restoration with the implant as the basis through special devices and methods. The upper restoration is similar to the crown of a natural tooth and plays a role in restoring tissue morphology and function.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

As an outstanding achievement of modern stomatology, dental implants have brought good news to countless patients with missing teeth. It not only reflects the rapid development of modern oral restoration technology, but also greatly improves the quality of life of patients with missing teeth. Dental implants restore the chewing function of patients and make their smiles more brilliant. With the continuous development and progress of oral medicine technology, the application prospects of dental implants are becoming more and more broad. Whether it is a patient with a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth or a full mouth of missing teeth, they can be effectively restored through dental implant surgery. In addition, dental implants can also be used as an alternative to other oral restoration materials (such as fixed bridges, removable dentures, etc.), providing patients with more comprehensive and personalized treatment options. Under strict surgical operations, reasonable postoperative care and regular review and maintenance, dental implants can maintain long-term stability and durability.

Next, we will take you to a deeper understanding of what needs to be done before and after dental implant surgery.

1. Preparation before dental implant surgery

1. Follow the doctor's instructions and complete relevant examinations before surgery.

2. Patients with periodontal inflammation should have their teeth cleaned before surgery to eliminate periodontal inflammation and keep the oral cavity clean.

4. Female patients should avoid menstruation and do not wear makeup on the day of surgery. Male patients need to shave and keep their faces clean to facilitate preoperative disinfection. Older patients or patients with other special diseases need to be accompanied by their family members.

5. You can eat normally on the day of surgery, but avoid fasting or being too full before surgery. Fasting can easily cause discomfort after local anesthesia, while being too full may cause vomiting and aspiration during surgery.

6. Patients with systemic diseases or long-term medication (such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease) need to inform their doctors in advance. If you are allergic to drugs or disinfectants, you should also inform your doctor in advance.

7. Patients who take calcium supplements on a daily basis should also inform their doctors in advance. Because some calcium supplements contain bisphosphonates, they will affect the self-repair ability of the jawbone and easily cause jaw necrosis after invasive operations such as dental implant surgery. Changes in the jawbone bone may lead to insufficient retention of the implant in the jawbone, thus affecting the long-term stability of the implant.

2. Precautions after dental implant surgery

1. To avoid negative pressure in the oral cavity after surgery, which may cause bleeding in the wound, patients should try to swallow saliva or sputum in their mouths, and should not use a straw to drink milk, beverages, water, etc. Do not touch the wound with your hands, tongue or objects.

2. On the day after surgery, you should follow a warm or cool diet; eat soft food within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, and avoid hard or irritating food; do not bite food with the teeth on the surgical side to avoid wound splitting.

3. There will be a small amount of bleeding at the wound within 24 hours after the operation, which will generally stop on its own and there will be blood clots locally. If the bleeding does not stop, use cotton balls to apply local pressure to stop the bleeding and seek medical attention in time.

4. Apply cold compress to the surgical area and the corresponding face 24 hours after surgery. If swelling or bruises still occur on the face after cold compress, hot compress is recommended 48 hours after surgery.

5. Within 2 weeks after surgery, rinse your mouth with water after eating, then rinse with mouthwash, 3 to 4 times a day, 15 seconds each time. Be careful to protect the wound when brushing your teeth after surgery.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

6. Avoid strenuous exercise within 1 week after surgery to prevent wound bleeding caused by accelerated blood circulation.

7. The sutures on the wound need to be removed by a doctor within 7 to 10 days after the operation.

8. After the operation, you need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions for regular checkups, observe the healing of the wound, and inspect and maintain the dental implants.

9. If the patient used dentures daily before surgery, the original dentures must be used under the guidance of the doctor after surgery. Usually within 2 weeks after surgery, the doctor will adjust the original dentures according to the patient's oral condition to facilitate the patient's use.

10. If the dental implant components become loose after the operation, or if redness, swelling, pain, etc. appear in the surgical area, the patient needs to go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time.

In summary, the preparations and precautions before and after dental implant surgery include maintaining oral hygiene, diet conditioning, regular check-ups, avoiding bad habits, etc. Only comprehensive and meticulous maintenance can ensure the long-term stability and functionality of dental implants.