After Implant Placement

At Southern California Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons and team want you to be prepared and know what to expect after your dental implant treatment with Dr. Jay Reznick, Dr. Jennifer Caroline or Dr. Sirish Makan. You most likely will need time to recover before receiving any implant restorations from us in Tarzana, California. Call 818-996-1200 if you have any questions.

While You Heal

Sometimes, you will be able to receive a dental restoration immediately during the implant procedure, where our oral surgeons will put the replacement tooth on the implant post in the same surgery. However, many will need time for the affected area to heal and allow the titanium post to integrate with the bone tissue in your jaw. During that time, we can provide you with temporary, removable teeth, which we can tailor to your specific needs. We can also adjust your current denture appliance if you are missing all of your teeth or even create a new temporary denture. For nonremovable options, temporary transitional implants can be placed along with the initial ones, with the temporary restorations inserted at the same time.

Potential Problems After Surgery

Postoperative problems are very minimal, though they can sometimes still happen. Most patients do not experience severe pain afterward, though we prescribe pain mediation and antibiotics for your recovery. Occasionally, some patients may get an infection around the affected area, but that can easily be treated with additional antibiotics.

Sometimes, the adjacent teeth may be injured during the implant placement, though great care is taken to ensure that does not happen. The nerve in the lower jaw may also be affected, potentially causing a numb or tingling sensation or complete lack of sensation in your lower lip, chin or tongue. Sometimes, these sensations can be permanent or painful, which is why we ask you to call us as soon as possible if you are experiencing them. However, they usually resolve over time.

When Will I Receive the Replacement Teeth?

Your replacement teeth will be attached to the implant once it has had adequate time to fuse with the bone and the teeth have been custom built. The fabrication process of the tooth or teeth will start with us taking a digital impression of your teeth. The 3D rendering will then be used to create customized replacement teeth from porcelain or resin in a lab, and those will be sent back to us to be adjusted into place. Once that is finished, your new tooth will perform and look like a natural tooth so that you can enjoy restored oral function and a full smile.

How Long Do Implants Last?

With proper care, dental implants can last many years. We encourage you to clean and maintain them as you would a normal tooth to prolong their efficiency. They are subject to wear and tear, so you may need to come in for any adjustments or repair. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular hygiene appointments.