Health Shield Medical Center - Ministries Complex - +971 2 698 9999 - www.ch.hsmc.ae

Dental Implants are special posts which are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth or to support a denture. The implant functions as the root of a tooth and, depending on the number of implants placed, it can be used to replace everything from a single tooth to a full complement of teeth. It takes an average of 3-6

months for the jawbone to integrate with the implant before it can be used to support a dental restoration.

Titanium Dental Implant

DENTAL IMPLANTS

1. What materials are used in a Dental Implant?The most common material used for a dental implant is titanium or a titanium alloy. Ceramic may also be used in patients wishing to have a non-metallic option.

2. What are the benefits of having a Dental Implant placed?There are many benefits to having an implant placed.A missing tooth can be replaced without cutting down the adjacent healthy teeth as is required when placing a bridge. Implants allow the dentist to replace missing teeth even when a bridge is not an option. Dental implants can provide a more stable base for a denture, particularly in the lower jaw. Also, dental implants help to preserve and maintain healthy jawbone in the area of the missing tooth or teeth. With proper home care and maintenance, dental implants can restore your smile and chewing ability for a lifetime.

3. What are the risks associated with a Dental Implant?There is always a small chance that the dental implant will fail to integrate with the jawbone and have to be removed. Certain medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for implant failure. As with any surgery, there is a potential risk of surgical complications when placing a dental implant. Improperly positioned dental implants can make it difficult–if not impossible–to place a useful dental restoration in the mouth. Implant supported restorations do not have the same feeling as a normal tooth and it is possible to put too much pressure on them when chewing, leading to damage of the implant restoration or opposing tooth.

4. What is the alternative to replacing a missing tooth with an Implant?Bridges, dentures or partial dentures can replace missing teeth without requiring implants. The missing tooth or teeth can also be left without replacement. This, however, can lead to other problems such as an unstable bite or unwanted movement of the surrounding teeth.

5. Can a bite affect Dental Implant placement?If you have a misaligned bite, the restorations placed on the dental implants ill be at greater risk for fracture or failure. Proper alignment of the teeth prior to dental implant placement leads to a more esthetic result. Bite and tooth alignment problems should be addressed prior to dental implant placement.

6. Are there any post-treatment limitations once I have a Dental Implant placed? You should be careful not to disturb the surgical site immediately after dental implant placement. This means no chewing on the side of the implant and careful cleaning methods for several weeks to a month. The dental implant takes several months to totally fuse to the jaw, so fewer disturbances to the area means a higher success rate. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, it is important that the denture does not rub on the surgical site.

Dental Implant in the Mouth

Restored Dental Implant

Health Shield Medical Center - Ministries Complex - +971 2 698 9999 - www.ch.hsmc.ae

Frenectomy Post Operative Instructions

• If you have received any form of sedation, do not operate a motor vehicle the day of the surgery.

• Place the gauze in the area of your surgery (either under your tongue and bite your teeth together or inside your upper lip) and close your lips tightly to hold the gauze in the area to diminish any bleeding. Change gauze every 10-15 minutes for the first 30 minutes. Do not chew gauze.

• Some bleeding following the oral surgery is normal. However, if excessive bleeding occurs, fold a piece of sterile gauze as tightly as possible, place this over the space where the surgery was performed, and bite hard for 20-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If these measures are not helpful, call the office.

• You may eat and drink as normal. Try to avoid the surgical site when eating. Do not use a straw when drinking. If you had a lingual frenectomy (under your tongue), it is necessary to start using your tongue again the next day. (Examples: sticking out your tongue, licking an ice cream cone or a sucker etc.). If you had a maxillary frenectomy (under your upper lip), avoid biting into foods like a sandwich or an apple for a few days. You may resume normal physical activity the next day.

• Do not rinse your mouth with anything for 24 hours; however, continue to brush your teeth carefully. After 24 hours, in addition to your routine tooth brushing, gently rinse your mouth with a lukewarm salt water solution (made by dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water). Rinse three to four times a day for four to five days. Take care not to empty or strain your mouth with undue force.

• Take all medications as this office has prescribed them.

• Some discomfort and discoloration may be expected following a frenectomy. Black and blue areas under the tongue are bruising and can be expected.

• Some swelling may occur following surgery. Apply ice to the outside of the upper lip if the surgery was a maxillary frenectomy or if the surgery was a lingual frenectomy place ice chips under the tongue. Apply ice for the first 24 hours then discontinue using the ice. Leave the ice on the area for 20 minutes, and then remove it for 20 minutes. This will help reduce the discomfort, bleeding and swelling.

• Sutures, if they were used, do not usually have to be removed. If sutures require removal, this will be done at the post - operative appointment.