Do I Need A Dental Follow-Up After Getting Dental Implants?

Because of dental implants, people who have lost teeth can get new ones that look and function just like their old ones. The healing of the surgical site and the osseointegration of the implant depend on the aftercare procedures as a dentist in Rock Hill, SC advises.

When the jawbone heals around the implant posts, a process known as osseointegration has taken place. A sturdy structure can only be built upon a firm foundation, and this does just that. The success of implants depends on the patient following the dentist's instructions for at-home care and maintaining a regular schedule of follow-up visits.

Your dentist in Rock Hill, SC will recommend follow-up visits after getting dental implants to ensure there are no complications or problems with the implant. Follow-up care helps the patient monitor their progress and ensure that everything is healing correctly. 

For example, the dentist may take x-rays, check for signs of infection, or assess how well the gums have healed. Depending on the patient's progress, additional adjustments may be made, and necessary treatment or medications prescribed.

The length of time between follow-up visits will vary from patient to patient, as some may need more frequent evaluations than others. Patients need to take note of any unusual symptoms so that they can discuss them with their dentist. 

If a patient discovers any swelling, pain, or tenderness at the implant site, they need to contact their dentist right away. With proper aftercare and follow-up visits from your dentist in Rock Hill, SC, dental implants can last for many years.

Why Is Follow-up Care Required?

The first year after surgery is the most crucial time for recovery and should not be rushed. Osseointegration is a process that can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. Additionally, this is the time of the month in which the gums are most prone to infection. Therefore, failure of an implant will occur much more frequently during this period than it will at any point after the first year has passed.

River District Smiles Dentistry can provide the follow-up care you need for your dental implants. Their experienced and knowledgeable team of dentists is well-trained in diagnosing and treating various conditions associated with implants, such as infections, pain, and inflammation. To learn more about dental implant follow-up care or schedule an appointment, contact our office today!

Procedures For Follow-up Appointments

When the patient returns for their follow-up appointments, a dental professional will evaluate the patient's gums, implants, and teeth in the surrounding area to determine how well the patient is healing and whether or not there are any signs of complications.

Even though the equipment is made of man-made materials, it needs to be appropriately maintained. If they are cared for properly, implants have the potential to last for the rest of a person's life. Therefore, evaluation for each of the following conditions is frequently part of the follow-up care that patients receive:

• Peri-implant disease: This is an inflammation of the soft gum tissue that can lead to infections or cause the implant to become loose.
• Peri-implant mucositis: This is a mild form of gum inflammation that can be treated with improved oral hygiene habits and preventive care.
• Bone loss: Over time, the jawbone underneath an implant can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This is known as bone loss and can be detected by x-rays or scans. If any of these conditions are found, the dental professional will discuss treatment options with the patient. 

Depending on the condition, it may include medications or surgery to correct the issue and prevent further damage. The patient should also let their dentist know if they experience any pain or discomfort in the area around their implant, as this could be a sign

Assessment in The First Six Weeks

It is common practice to schedule the first post-placement appointment up to two weeks after the surgical procedure. At this point, the soft tissue is evaluated to determine how far along the healing process it is. The implant, in addition to the hard and soft tissues, is examined to look for signs of infection. 

After the placement of dental implants, patients typically return for their follow-up appointment after six weeks. It is anticipated that the healing of the soft tissues will be finished at this time.

Assessment Every Three To Four Months Post Placement

Following the initial appointments for follow-up care, patients are typically scheduled for follow-up appointments every three to four months on average. This includes keeping an eye on how far along the process of osseointegration as well as the current state of oral hygiene. 

When it becomes necessary, the procedures are either examined again or modified. After the first year, the frequency of recommended follow-ups is determined not only by the state of the patient's implants but also by the patient's overall oral health.

Assessments Of Bite Force

Dental professionals attend each appointment that a patient has during the first year and look for any indication that the patient is biting down on the implant with an excessive amount of force. 

An individual who has been diagnosed with bruxism may be required to wear a mouth guard to protect the implant from being damaged or failing. For some people, it is necessary to refrain from chewing on the implant while it is still in the healing process.

The follow-up care that a patient receives after having dental implants placed is vitally important. The goal of proper follow-up care is to monitor the implant and make sure it heals properly, as well as to detect any potential issues before they cause complications.

At River District Smiles Dentistry, we understand that proper follow-up care is essential for a successful outcome. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to determine the best course of action for your situation, giving you peace of mind that your implants are in good hands.

If you have any questions about the process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.