The implant-supported prosthesis is a treatment that involves a structure anchored to the implants placed within your jawbones, with the goal of fully restoring the function and aesthetics of your teeth.
Please note that, depending on various prior conditions, it is not always possible to achieve these two objectives absolutely.
For the complete success of the treatment, your cooperation is essential, by adhering to the hygiene and care guidelines for your prostheses.
After the placement of the prosthesis, you will require a variable period of time to adapt to the new situation. You may notice the following mild symptoms, which are easily and quickly reversible:
Sensation of pressure. This may be felt when the prosthesis is first placed on the implants. It will subside spontaneously.
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds: It is advisable to read aloud in front of a mirror and listen to yourself. This way, you will acquire clear and fluent speech in a short time.
Sensation of fullness or a foreign body, which will disappear on its own as your tongue and mucous membranes adapt to the space of the new situation.
Slight and transient increase in saliva production.
Biting of cheeks and tongue.
You may notice a slight change in your appearance and expression resulting from your rehabilitation; you will become accustomed to your new image within a few weeks.
Natural teeth have a great capacity to discriminate the force exerted with them, due to the structures around them designed for this purpose. Such structures do not exist in implants, and therefore, it is possible to exert a very high chewing force without you being able to control it well. For this reason, you should start by chewing foods that are not too hard, to gradually get used to the new sensation.
The success and duration of the treatment will depend on your adherence to specific hygiene rules for your prosthesis, which may initially seem somewhat complicated, but will eventually become an easy habit to maintain. You should be aware that your prosthesis consists of:
• Prosthesis
• Abutments
The prosthesis should be cleaned with conventional toothbrushes in the same way you clean your natural teeth, on the visible side. The non-visible side, i.e., the one facing the gum, can be cleaned with dental floss or interdental brushes.
The abutments are very important. The junction of the abutment with the gum must always be cleaned, as this is where bacteria and food debris accumulate most. For this purpose, special brushes, called interproximal brushes, are available in various thicknesses. Dental irrigators are also recommended to remove debris that cannot be removed by brushing.
Toothpastes should be fluoride-free, and the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes or gels is recommended in case of gum inflammation.
It is essential that you adhere to the review appointment schedule proposed by your dentist, during which a series of checks will be performed to ensure the correct functioning of your prosthesis and the condition of your oral tissues. Generally, in the absence of other instructions from the dentist, reviews are usually carried out with the following frequency:
One week after the prosthesis has been placed.
One month
Three months.
During the first year, it is recommended that you visit your dentist every three months, while thereafter, visits should be every six months.
The following problems may occur with this type of prosthesis:
Inflammation of the gum surrounding the implants.
Pain
Loosening of the prosthesis: This may be due to the fixation screws becoming loose or unscrewed.
Tooth fracture.
Prosthesis fracture.
Whenever you experience gum discomfort, you should make an appointment, although initially, as these discomforts are normal, you can wait four or five days. If they have not disappeared after this time, or if they worsen over the days, you should request an appointment. If any problem arises, do not try to solve it yourself: contact your dentist for an appointment.
