Dr. Cyndi Nguyen, DDS

Fistulas are generally associated with some type of infection, foreign body, etc… The fact that various materials have emerged from your open fistula warrants this region to be opened, debrided, explored as well as a possible biopsy.
You should seek prompt attention regarding this persistent issue.

Gum grafting surgery is a predictable and long lasting option for receded gums. Using cadaver tissue or your own tissue are used to be repair the gum defects.

During the 3-4 months of healing, dental implants may break if subjected to too much pressure before they have completely fused in the jawbone. The components of the crown or bridge can also be damaged if subjected to too much stress. Wear and tear can break the abutment, which is the connector holding the crown to the implant.
If the dental implant crown feels loose, there may be a damaged screw inside the implant that holds in the crown.
Patients who grind their teeth are more prone to breakage, fracture and failure of implants.

Titanium is a commonly used inert material within the medical and dental fields. Titanium is a very strong, lightweight, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant. This material is used for dental implants because of its long-lasting and very high success rate.

Although the use of titanium is thought to be safe with a high success rate, in some rare cases, there are reports of problems.
Titanium dental implants include the generation of titanium and titanium alloy particles and ions where these can be deposited into the system causing toxic reactions in tissues such as yellow nail syndrome. Although this reaction is very rare, we need to be aware of the problems of titanium toxicity.
Titanium implants are the best option for patients who have no hypersensitivity to this metal.
Lastly, titanium is non-magnetic, so it very rarely sets off standard metal detectors.

Anytime you experience persistent pain around a tooth, you should definitely see your Dentist. Sometimes things can be fixed easily if addressed sooner.

After any oral surgery you should avoid any strenuous activity for a couple weeks post surgery. Depending on the number of implants that was done and whether sedation was administered, will determine how many days you should be resting. Typically, you should expect 3 days of facial swelling, possible bruising, and 1-2 days of discomfort.

Infection control is essential after implant surgery. Rinsing with chlorhexidine can decrease the bacterial load in your mouth. Rinsing for twice a day for a week post surgery can be beneficial post implant surgery.

Recovery from bone grafting depends on the size and type of the graft as well as several other factors. Socket grafts typically heal faster than a larger graft like ridge grafting or sinus grafting.
Typically, recovery may take anywhere from two weeks to several months. The recovery period can depend on the type of surgery, your age, and your physical health. You may need to avoid strenuous physical activity post-surgery, for as long as your surgeon suggests.
Depending on the type of graft material used, the bone usually takes three months for the bone to turn over to your own bone thus allowing dental implant insertion.
After the procedure, your dentist will most probably prescribe antimicrobial rinses, antibiotics and pain medication to assist you with post operative healing.

As general wound healing varies in all individuals, the average time it takes for an implant to “fuse to the surrounding bone” is usually 3-6 months. Osseointegration is the term used to describe this fusion process.

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene or irritants on the gums that cause the gums to appear red, swollen, and occasionally bleed. Gingivitis can be a reversible condition if treated early. The damage done by gingivitis can often be reversed by ridding your gums of the infection by routine professional cleanings, strict daily brushing, and flossing. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gingivitis where the gums and bones are affected. Get your routine professional dental cleanings. Ask your dentist/hygienist if you would benefit from a prescription mouth rinse for gingivitis.

If you can tolerate Tylenol based on your health history then it’s ok to take that before surgery. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as Advil or Aleve are usually not recommended before surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Taking an Opioid for pain control should be discussed with your implant surgeon as they may administer this through your IV if you are being sedated. Any and all medications should be discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Studies have reported that the use of implants in conjunction with remaining natural teeth in the implant supported removable partial denture substantially improve oral health quality of life for patients compared to conventional treatment options with only natural teeth present.
As long as the implant is stable and the surrounding soft tissue is favorable, a partial can use a dental implant as an anchor.