What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

dental implant recovery time Comstock Park

What is the recovery time for a permanent tooth implant procedure?

There isn’t a standard timeline because there are many variables involved.

Each patient’s treatment plan is unique.

Here are some factors that affect the recovery time for a dental implant procedure.

  1. Is a tooth extraction necessary?
  2. Will I need to have a bone graft (and/or sinus lift) before getting the implant?
  3. Will I receive anesthesia during the procedure?

Tooth extraction

If you need a non-viable tooth pulled, it may be possible to receive a tooth implant on the same day. As long as you have enough strong, healthy jawbone in which to anchor the implant.

Bone graft

As soon as a tooth is removed, the bone begins to recede. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement procedure that prevents or (greatly reduces) bone deterioration.

If teeth at the implant site have been gone for a while, the bone may have shrunk. Bone can also be weakened or destroyed with a severe infection.

An important decision is whether an implant patient needs bone augmentation.

In a bone grafting procedure, an oral surgeon or dentist packs bone material into the area where the implant will be placed.

If the implant will be placed in the upper arch, you may need a sinus lift treatment. When bone matter shrinks in parts of the upper jaw, it may cause the floor of the sinus cavity to fall into the space created.

A sinus lift procedure is done in conjunction with a bone graft. The goal is to raise the floor of the sinus cavity to make room for the additional bone material.

After the bone graft, you need to wait until the new bone has integrated with the existing bone. This will create a strong and stable foundation for the implant.

Recovery after a bone graft procedure

Day of procedure: Though bone grafting requires oral surgery, don’t let the term “surgery” give the impression that it has a long recovery time. The site will be sore, but most patients can take care of it with Ibuprofen or aspirin.

It doesn’t take much longer than filling a cavity. Most patients can return to work the next day.

If swelling or pain increases a few days after the procedure, contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

After a bone graft, how long until I can get my implant?

The fusing process can take several months. You don’t want to rush this because successful implantation requires a sturdy foundation.

Recovery after implant placement

Just as with the bone graft procedure, the implant placement procedure can be completed in less than two hours. If you elect to have IV sedation, however, you will need to wait until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

You will probably experience the following post-procedure:

  • Pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ice packs used on the outside of the face can alleviate swelling. Call our office if these symptoms persist.

NOTE: It is not necessary for a permanent tooth implant recipient to be unconscious for the dental process. A local painkiller is usually sufficient. However, people with dental anxiety may elect stronger sedation.

Healing abutment

Your dentist may mount a temporary healing abutment to the post during the initial surgery. A healing abutment is sometimes called a ‘healing cuff’ or ‘healing cap.’

Make sure you practice daily oral hygiene but be extra careful when cleaning around the surgical site.

It’s vital to follow all post-procedure instructions. And be sure to make the recommended follow-up visits.

Smoking can make it harder to heal from any type of oral surgery.

After a permanent dental implant has had time to fuse with the bone, you will have an appointment to attach the abutment.

Attaching the abutment

This is a fairly quick and easy service. Your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue at the implant site to expose the post. Then the abutment is attached. Your dentist may place the prosthesis (artifical tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture/partial denture) at the same time. Or your dentist may wait until your gums have healed.

Tooth implants can give you a beautiful new smile. To keep it beautiful and avoid further issues (like decay or an infection):

  • Practice proper oral hygiene—keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy
  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Don’t chew on hard foods or other items
  • If you grind your teeth, seek treatment.
  • Have a twice-yearly dental exam and cleaning

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we restore missing teeth with dental implant procedures. Dental implant placement studies have found a five-year success rate of 98%.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Implant Dentures: Fixed or Removable?

implant dentures Comstock Park

Today, dental patients with missing teeth are fortunate to have a tooth replacement choice that is far better than both traditional dentures and dental bridges. Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous advantages over traditional dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Offers up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Doesn’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Allows user to eat any type of food—even steak
  • No adhesive required
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) require more implants than the removable type. They can restore 100% of chewing capacity.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may require just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

How Do I Choose?

Call 616-784-2377 to schedule an implant denture consultation with Drs. Hull. The following factors will impact the recommendation.

Bone Condition

Implants require the patient has a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone affects whether or not it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Cost

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some men and women believe the advantages outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be removed for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean standard dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Diet

Fixed dentures are sturdier than removable dentures. Patients who choose foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

Men and women with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it more difficult to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

For an implant denture consultation, call us at 616-784-2377.

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

why does a tooth implant take several months? Comstock Park

If you’ve visited our website before you know that implants are the preferable tooth restoration for most people with a missing tooth.

The dental implant process can take several dental visits over a period of months.

Don’t let this discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is critical.

Remember that the tooth implant timeline is not a drawback. It is indicative of the permanent nature of a tooth implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation.

At your first visit to Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we’ll take X-rays and assess your mouth. We will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Be prepared to consider your physical health in general and your medical history.

If you don’t have enough bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting surgery. This common procedure is described on our website.

2. Tooth Implant Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how quick and easy the procedure is.

  • First, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the implant location.
  • Drs. Hull will make an incision in the gums. This opens the gums so the bone is accessible.
  • Then, we drill a small hole. The hole is the precise diameter and depth of the post.
  • The implant post is screwed into the hole in the bone.
  • We’ll take an X-ray to verify the implant is in the correct place.
  • We will then sew the gums back over the implant.

Dental implant placement will take from one to two hours.

OTC pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery soreness. Most dental implant patients can go back to work after the surgery.

Soreness and swelling should subside after a few days. An ice pack (used on the cheek, not inside the mouth) can reduce swelling.

If the implant site (and missing tooth) is visible when you smile, we will create a removable partial denture or flipper. You can wear this while you are waiting for the final restoration.

Make sure you practice proper oral hygiene but be extra gentle when cleaning around the surgical site.

3. Osseointegration

Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome a non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant. This is necessary to establish an extremely tough foundation for the final restoration.

Titanium readily integrates with the bone. The official term for this quality is ‘osteophilic’. For most patients, it takes from three to six months for the post and jawbone to become inseparable.

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The last step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

When you have your new smile at the end of this process, it will all be worth it!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Improve Your Smile for Yourself And Those That Look at You!

long-term tooth replacement solution Comstock Park

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw, they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or a denture is certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function the same. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us their dental health to our comprehensive restorative dentistry team! Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 8279

Dental Implants Are Truly Life-Changing

tooth implants Grand Rapids

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

Dental implants are life-changing! With regular checkups and proper care at home, a dental implant can last a lifetime. When you get your implant we will have specific instructions for daily care. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI have become the tooth replacement solution of choice. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 8546

You Can Slow The Rate Of Bone Loss After Extraction

bone loss after tooth extraction

A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The Alveolar Bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

What Can Cause Alveolar Bone Loss?

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of†alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better. Unfortunately, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help to prevent bone loss. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 8267

What Are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Michigan

Dental implants from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology.

But like any medical or dental procedure, there are certain risks involved. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection: Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow Healing: A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus Problems: Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant Failure: If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve Damage: Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us with implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 8296

Think It’s Not Necessary To Replace Missing Back Teeth?

dental implants Comstock Park

Sometimes when people lose a back tooth they wonder whether they should bother doing anything about it. After all, the gap doesn’t show when they smile and there are other teeth to do the chewing. Why not leave it be and save some money? Actually, there are several very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting. If a tooth tilts, moves, or rotates, it can impact the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone, which causes over-eruption. Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.

The underlying bone will begin to atrophy. Without the tooth root, the jaw bone shrinks. This changes the dimensions of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decline in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.

There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions. This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.

If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for implants and for comprehensive restorative dentistry services. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 7768

Let That Winning Smile Shine!

Everyone wants a winning smile. But as we age, it can get harder and harder to keep your smile brilliant. We have good news! Cosmetic dentistry from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can transform your smile!

Cosmetic dentistry is a range of dental procedures that can revitalize your winning smile. And that, in turn, can give your self-confidence a real shot in the arm.

Cosmetic dentistry includes the following:

  • Teeth Whitening: Who wouldn’t like a brighter smile? Teeth whitening is a quick and easy way to make the color of your teeth lighter and more pleasing. Professional whitening is more effective than any available over-the-counter product.
  • Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They can mask chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth. They’re even good for strengthening teeth with worn enamel.
  • Invisalign® Clear Braces: Virtually invisible, clear braces can improve your bite by straightening slightly crooked teeth. People love them because they come out at mealtime and when you brush and floss.

Any one of these can improve your smile. Put two more or more of them together and you will have a brand-new smile!

Cosmetic dentistry from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can make your winning smile shine! We’ve helped people from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI, who also some to our practice for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 8174