• Dental Implants

  • What Are Dental Implants?

    Dental implants are synthetic teeth roots. They are used to create foundations for replacement teeth. When teeth need to be replaced due to an accident or disease, give Dr. Magnis a call at (805) 616-7102 or contact us to learn if dental implants are right for you.

    Who Can Have Dental Implants?

    In general, any person at any age may need dental implants. However, it is important to Dr. Magnis that you:

    • commit to good oral hygiene
    • are healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction
    • have enough bone to hold the implant in place
    • are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery
    • have healthy gums
    • continue with regular dental visits

    Certain people may need to be more closely examined to determine if they are good candidates for dental implants. You may need to be evaluated on an individual basis if you:

    • are a heavy smoker
    • suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders (like heart disease or diabetes)
    • have had radiation therapy around the head or neck

    Why Should I Get Dental Implants?

    There are many reasons why dental implants may be right for you. When looking into tooth replacement, consider the following attributes of Dr. Magnis’s dental implants:

    • Comfort: each implant is individually placed and therefore more comfortable than dentures and bridges
    • Strength: if taken care of properly, they can last you for your entire life
    • Fit: tends to be better than dentures or bridges
    • Appearance: they look and feel like your teeth
    • Speech: since they won’t slip out, you do not run the risk of your implants slurring your words or causing you to mumble  
    • Eating: they stay put so you can eat more easily
    • Oral Health: other teeth do not have to be alter to fit, like with a bridge, so your teeth are left intact
    • Flossing: you can floss around your dental implant and other teeth
    • Cleaner: unlike dentures, there is no need to disinfect or deal with adhesives to keep them in place

    How Do I Get Dental Implant?

    To begin the dental implant process you should first make an appointment with a licensed dentist. The friendly staff at Dr. Magnis’s office is ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have about the process. Dr. Magnis will create a personal treatment plan for you based on your specific situation.

    How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

    Dental implants should be treated just like your real teeth. It is important to brush, floss, rinse with ADA approved mouthwash, and schedule dental check-ups regularly. This will keep your implants and teeth looking great and working well.   

    Give Dr. Magnis a call at (805) 616-7102 or contact us to set up a consultation so we can help you decide if dental implants are the right move for you.

  • Below are a list of guidelines when considering and undergoing an implant procedure.

  • Before Implant Surgery:

     

    • Do not drink alcoholic beverages 1 day prior.
    • Do not drink caffeinated beverages the day of the surgery.
    • Do not wear make-up or lipstick.
    • Eat a meal before arriving at the office.
    • Take the pain medication 1 hour prior to the appointment as well as the antibiotics prescribed.
    • Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash we prescribed starting 1 day prior to the day of surgery.
    • Arrange for a ride and somebody to be with you all day if you have taken oral sedation medication.

    If you have any questions please call Dr. Magnis and Marina View Dentistry at (805) 616-7102

     

    After Implant Surgery:

     

    Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing (except prescribed mouthwash), spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery because it can dislodge the blood clot. There could be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

    Bleeding

    Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 20 minutes. If swelling develops in the floor of the mouth call Dr. Magnis immediately. This could mean a severe bleeding inside the floor of the mouth.

    Swelling

    Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. It can start immediately after the surgery and last for 7 to 14 days. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice every 30 minutes for about 10 to 15 minutes, as many times as possible, for the first 24-48 hours. Also try to keep your head elevated after the surgery which will reduce the swelling significantly.

    Diet

    Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

    Pain

    You should begin taking the pain medication prescribed an hour before you come to the office. Ibuprofen 600 to 800mg(Advil or Motrin) may be taken with Tylenol with codeine every 6-8 hours. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3-4 tablets may be taken every 6-8 hours as needed for pain. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

    Antibiotics

    Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics an hour prior to surgery and continue until you finish the bottle as directed to help prevent infection.

    Oral Hygiene

    Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used three times daily, after brushing. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem as long as is not painful. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.

    Activity

    Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery and for the first 2 days. If you are considering exercise, bleeding and swelling may occur. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise. You can probably return to your job immediately or the day after surgery if it does not require physical activity.

    Wearing your Prostheses

    Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. The prostheses will be relined the next day and you will be able to wear it. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.