Restorative Treatment and Aftercare
Click on images for detailed views.
At least several days after the abutments have been attached to
the integrated implants, impressions are again made of your
mouth.
Plaster-like models of the jaws and any teeth that you
may still have can then be made from the impressions. The new
replacement teeth (bridge or denture, also called a
prosthesis) will eventually be made on these models.
If no natural teeth are present, bite records are made on
temporary denture bases with wax rims. Artificial teeth are
arranged on the bases so that the correct position of the teeth
can be determined in your mouth.
A metal framework is then made, and the artificial teeth are
attached to this framework in the previously determined
positions.
This whole assembly of framework and teeth will be tried in
your mouth to see how it fits and looks. When the teeth look
satisfactory and function properly, the prosthesis is completed.
At last, the final prosthesis is secured on the abutments
with small screws (or in situations where natural teeth also
remain, with dental cement). This is called a fixed
prosthesis.
The final fixed prosthesis (bridge) is shown in place
in the mouth. Note that abutment posts are not visible when you
smile.
If it is not possible to construct a fixed prosthesis for
your jaw, a removable overdenture may be designed to fit over
the implants. While it is removable by you, it can be secured to
the abutments by various types of attachments or magnets.
If you do have some remaining natural teeth, a prosthesis
fixed to two or more implants may also be made to replace the
missing teeth. They may be attached to natural teeth or may
stand alone in the areas where teeth have been lost. Single
missing teeth can be replaced by an implant-supported
replacement tooth.
Aftercare
During the first year after your new prosthesis has been
placed on the implants, it is necessary for the dentist to
confirm that it fits well and works satisfactorily. Regular
checkup appointments will usually be scheduled at 1-, 3-, and
6-month intervals in the first year. At these checkups,
dental x-rays
may be taken to examine the implant-bone relationship and rule
out any disease. After the first year, follow-up examinations
are usually necessary only once a year.
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