Dr. John Minichetti: Hi! I am Dr. John Minichetti. I am a general dentist. Today's video is about what to expect during and after implant surgery. It's geared towards a patient. I am a diplomat with the American Board of Oral Implantology and I have been practicing implant dentistry for over 20 years.
Basically most patients come into the office little apprehensive about implant surgery. They don't really know what to expect. For the most part, most of these procedures are done with local anesthesia or Novocaine. Few -- small percentage may need general anesthesia that's just if you are nervous, but 90% plus are done with just Novocaine and usually do not feel anything.
During the procedure the doctor may make a tiny little incision and place the implant. They could take anywhere from an hour to an hour and half, depending upon how many implants he places and you usually leave the office when you are still numb so you don't have any pain while you are in the office.
Afterwards most of the patients will take some Advil or ibuprofen for a day or two. Some of them may need to use a stronger medication and we will prescribe a mild narcotic that we do for root canal such as vicodin or percocet and if you need to take that for a couple of days that's usually the norm.
We always recommend that you put some ice on your face for the first 24 to 48 hours to minimize swelling. You make it some swelling in here, depending upon how many implants were placed. You might get some bruising. Some patients can expect some bruising a few days later if you are prone to bruising. We will tell you have some sour foods, chewing the other side.
There is usually some sutures placed and then you may dissolve or you may have them the week or so by your dentist depending upon what type he uses and for the most part the biggest concern I think with patients are, are they are going to be able to what's your appearance going to be like, are they are going to be able to function in your social life.
And usually what we do for those types of patients as if you come in with a denture or removable piece, we will modify that, place a soft line so you could still function afterwards and have some teeth. If you are going to have some teeth removed at the time of surgery the dentist usually plans that have it temporarily made for you and he will usually insert it so you can wear at the day of surgery.
So that's kind of what to expect during implant surgery and you have a little discomfort afterwards and if you have any questions of course you can contact us at englewoodental.com, feel free to call our office or send us an email, thank you for listening.
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