Dental implants have been around for many decades, with proven long-term success as a permanent tooth replacement option. Implant planning technology has taken implant surgery to a new level.
Technology & the Dental Implant Process
Wilmington Oral Surgery has the advanced technology in our office to provide cutting-edge treatment. We combine the digital 3-D cone beam CT, 3D intraoral scanner, and 3D printer to plan an implant case. This technology allows us to replace the missing teeth first and then virtually plan the implant placement.
The final step with the 3D printer makes a surgical guide customized to the position of the implants and crowns. Having the 3D printer in house saves the patient hundreds of dollars per case, since dental labs will charge to make the surgical guides.
Once the implants have integrated, we can use the 3D scanner to obtain impressions, which are sent via e-mail to the dental lab for crown fabrications. Most labs we work with prefer the digital impressions over traditional impressions, as there is no distortion with digital impressions.
Preparing for Your Dental Prosthetics Installation
There are a few ways you can help us help you prepare for your mouth reconstruction:
- If you’re on blood thinners or other medications, please provide Dr. Puckett with your attending physician’s information so we can coordinate your anesthesia care.
- Take any antibiotics and/or use any antimicrobial mouthwash prescribed by Dr. Puckett.
- Follow Dr. Puckett’s directions as to fasting before your procedure.
- Do not smoke, chew or otherwise use tobacco for at least 7 days before the surgery. And don’t use it after, either.
- The day of your implant surgery, prep your bedroom or living room with comfy things.
- Wear loose, warm clothing to your surgery appointment so you’re comfortable.
- Arrange a friend or family member to drive you to and from the implant appointment. Our Wilmington office is accessible to Dayton and Cincinnati, many of our out-of-town patients opt to come here instead of a local dental practice for our level of patient care.
- And maybe most importantly, stay on top of your dental hygiene leading up to and after your tooth prosthetic(s) are installed.
Dealing with Pain from Oral Surgery Holistically
Our practice deals with the discomfort associated with surgery differently. The use of homeopathic dental treatments to manage pain and inflammation requires a different approach than a prescription pill regimen you take as directed after surgery. Because of this, pain management becomes part of your preparation process on your journey to new prosthetic teeth.
Along with pain-relieving gel made of natural analgesics like clove, thyme and cinnamon, we prescribe our patients the VEGA Recovery Kit. The gold standard in homeopathic care for recovery from dental procedures, this all-natural kit requires you take it beginning 3 days before your surgery and continue until 7 days after. It helps you get ahead of the pain and inflammation, which will minimize your need for opioids during recovery.
Dental implants can be life-changing in all the best ways, but we get that surgery can be daunting and even downright scary. So don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with Dr. Puckett about any questions or concerns. It helps to know exactly what you’re getting into to feel comfortable on surgery day and while healing after – we provide comprehensive consultations, but always tell our patients that it’s never bad to ask too many questions.
Learn more about the integrated dental implant process at Wilmington Oral Surgery.
