Please review the Routine Postoperative care instructions first.
Once a dental implant is placed in the jaw bone, it needs time to integrate and heal to the bone. Depending on the quality of the bone, your surgeon may choose to either cover the implant under the gingival (gum) tissue or leave it exposed. If the implant is left exposed there will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Stitches may or or may not be present in the area of the implant. If stitches are present, please be careful while brushing or cleaning in this area. Good oral hygiene is important for good healing of the implant.
If a dental implant is placed to restore a front missing tooth, an immediate temporary tooth may be placed over the implant at the time of surgery. It is extremely important not to chew with this tooth as it may adversely affect the healing of the underlying implant and cause it to fail.
Your surgeon will discuss with you when or how to use partial dentures, flippers or full dentures if present.
Use of tobacco or nicotine products adversely affects healing of dental implants and the health of the jaw bone surrounding the implant. Use of such products around the time of surgery or after the implant placement can significantly shorten the life span of implants.
