At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, serving Spokane and surrounding areas of Washington, we have two implant dentists, Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins with the education, experience, and access to implant technology you’re looking for if facing tooth loss.
Missing teeth, whether it’s just one or two teeth or a full set of upper and lower arches, can be an embarrassing problem. However, it can be a serious health problem, too, as tooth loss greatly affects the health of the teeth and gums that remain.
Your dental implant team, led by one of our Spokane implant dentists, will perform a thorough evaluation of you at your first visit. We will discuss your goals, we will listen to your concerns, and we will answer any and all questions you may have—most patients have a lot of questions!
We understand how daunting the journey of replacing missing teeth can be for you. We know it’s not an easy process, nor is it a quick one. However, advances in dental implant choices, innovative dental implant technology, and our staff with continuing education in the challenging field of implant dentistry promise you a safe, comfortable, successful tooth replacement experience that will change your life.
After-Care Instructions for Dental Implant Recipients
While you’re in the office of Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, we will go over very specific instructions for caring for dental implants after your procedure.
While you’re here, let’s take a look at what you can expect following a dental implant procedure. If you’ve had dental implants recently or are considering having dental implants and are just curious as to what to expect, caring for dental implants is actually quite easy:
On the day you receive the implants:
- Do not spit, though you may feel the urge to do so. Instead, use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed or swallow your saliva.
- Do not use a straw to drink anything.
- Do not smoke.
- Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area even if you’ve hands have been washed recently.
- Get as much rest as possible; do not go to work.
- Eat and drink ONLY the foods and beverages on the list provided to you at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics.
- Call the office with any questions or problems like excessive bleeding or more pain than what you were told to expect.
Spitting, using a straw, smoking, and touching the surgical area can dislodge the blood clot that is forming and will cause bleeding. Smoking can cause extreme damage to the area and can lead to serious health risks.
Bleeding
Some minor bleeding is expected following your dental implant surgery. It will usually subside quickly and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal during the first few hours after surgery.
- Keep gauze on the surgical area with some biting pressure for 30–45 minutes.
Swelling
Swelling following any oral surgery is to be expected; the swelling may increase for the first 24–48 hours before it subsides. You may experience some facial bruising, which is normal, also.
Diet
Please follow the dietary list provided; you may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Avoid chewing on the implant sites.
Oral hygiene
Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins will explain how to care for your teeth with brushing and flossing during the first few days after implant surgery. The great news is that once you’re fully healed, you will brush and floss as you would with your natural teeth. No special care is needed, which is one of the most appealing aspects of implants over dentures.
Sutures
We use dissolvable sutures that will fall out on their own, usually in four to ten days from the day of surgery; the time it takes for the sutures to dissolve varies from patient to patient.
When can I expect the dental crown to be placed?
A dental crown can be attached to a dental implant once the implant has fused to the bone (osseointegration). The length of time the bone must heal varies depending on your implant’s stability at the time of placement.
Medications
Take your medications as prescribed, but please call the office with any problems like nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.
Activity after the procedure
You may resume your normal activities once you feel up to it. Dr. Collins and the dental implant team will tell you what can and cannot be done right after surgery, and you can always call the office with questions.
Learn More About Caring for Dental Implants After the Procedure in Spokane
Why wait another day to have the full set of teeth you have been dreaming about? Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics has two implant dentists and a compassionate, knowledgeable team to help you get started. Simply call our Spokane office at 509-532-1111, or fill out our online contact form. One of our staff will reach out to schedule a new patient evaluation for dental implants or answer any questions you may still have.
