Dental Hygienist Questions Dentist

Do I need a follow up after getting dental implants?

I will get dental implants. Do I need a follow-up after getting dental implants?

5 Answers

DentalHygienistDentist
Yes, follow-up appointments are essential after getting dental implants to monitor healing, ensure the implant is integrating with the jawbone, and address any concerns that may arise. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, schedules follow-up visits to provide personalized guidance and ensure the best possible outcome for your implant.

Why Follow-Up Appointments Are Important
Monitoring Healing and Osseointegration
The initial follow-up allows Dr. Egan to check that the implant site is healing well and that there are no signs of infection or complications. Osseointegration, the process by which the implant fuses with the jawbone, typically takes a few months, and follow-ups help confirm that this process is progressing properly.

Adjusting Care Instructions
During follow-up visits, Dr. Egan can provide additional care instructions or adjust recommendations based on how well the implant and surrounding tissue are healing. He may suggest specific hygiene practices to keep the area clean and healthy.

Assessing for Crown Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone (usually after 3-6 months), a follow-up appointment is needed to assess the readiness for the abutment and crown placement. Dr. Egan will confirm that the implant is stable enough to support the final restoration.

Ensuring Long-Term Implant Success
Regular follow-up visits, even after the implant crown is placed, are beneficial for long-term implant health. These visits allow Dr. Egan to monitor gum health, bone stability, and ensure the implant is functioning well with neighboring teeth.

Typical Follow-Up Schedule
1-2 Weeks After Surgery: Dr. Egan will check the initial healing, remove any non-dissolvable stitches if used, and assess for any signs of complications.
3-6 Months Post-Surgery: This is usually the timeframe for assessing osseointegration. If the implant is fully integrated, the next steps (placing the abutment and crown) can proceed.
Annual or Bi-Annual Check-Ups: After the final crown is placed, routine dental visits help ensure long-term success by keeping the implant and surrounding tissue healthy.
Tips for a Successful Follow-Up Process
Attend All Scheduled Appointments: Even if you feel fine, follow-up visits are essential for identifying any issues early and ensuring the implant is progressing well.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Follow Dr. Egan’s recommendations for brushing, flossing, and using any prescribed rinses to prevent infection and maintain gum health around the implant.
Report Any Unusual Symptoms: If you experience pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms between visits, contact Dr. Egan right away for an assessment.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan is committed to providing comprehensive follow-up care to support a smooth recovery and long-lasting success for your dental implants.
Definitely
Dental follow ups are are usually necessary for any procedure, varying from 3 to6 to 12 months. Ask your dentist what is recommended.
Yes, your Dentist should schedule you for a follow up appointment after 1 week of the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, it is important to follow your doctor's instruction exactly. If you did not receive written instructions or don't remember what was said, call the office and ask the doctor to call back and speak with you. Dr. Hackbarth has specific instructions for all implant and surgical procedures, and often calls each patient after they go home to check on their progress and any unanswered questions that may have come up. If you would like to schedule an implant consultation with Dr Hackbarth and ask preliminary questions, please call our office at 409-935-2111.