After Implant Placement
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
What Can I Use For Teeth While The Implants Heal?
Many options are available, and they are tailored to your specific requirements. If you need a replacement tooth while the dental implants are healing, temporary removable teeth or a temporary bridge can be made. If all of your teeth are missing, we can usually modify your present complete denture or make you a new temporary denture. If you would prefer non-removable teeth during the healing phase, temporary transitional implants usually can be placed along with the permanent implants, and temporary teeth may be made and inserted the same day. Depending on your particular situation, some implants can be placed and “loaded” immediately. This means a temporary or permanent replacement tooth can be placed on, or shortly after, the day the implant is placed.
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What Are The Potential Problems?
Although it is natural to be concerned about the pain that may be caused by these procedures, most patients do not experience severe or significant post-operative pain. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed for you to make your recovery as easy as possible. Occasionally, some people develop post-operative infections that require additional antibiotic treatment. Even though great care is taken to place the implant precisely, occasionally adjacent teeth are injured in the placement process. In addition, there is a chance that the nerve in the lower jaw, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, may be affected. If you are missing quite a lot of bone, it might be difficult to place an implant without infringing on the nerve space. Although we take great care to avoid this nerve, occasionally it is irritated during the procedure, resulting in tingling, numbness or a complete lack of sensation in your lip, chin or tongue. Usually these altered sensations will resolve within time, but they can be permanent and/or painful. If you notify us of post-operative numbness as soon as possible, it will allow us to manage your care in the most appropriate way.
How Long Will The Implants Last?
Implants usually last a long time. When patients are missing all of their teeth, long-term studies (more than 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate. For patients missing one or several teeth, recent studies show a success rate of greater than 95 percent, which compares favorably with other areas in the body that receive implant replacement (such as hips or knees). However, if one of your dental implants either doesn’t heal properly or loosens after a period of time, you may need to have it removed. After the site heals (or on occasion at the time of removal), another implant usually can be placed.
When Are The Replacement Teeth Attached To The Implant?
The replacement teeth are usually attached to the implant when adequate healing has occurred and your jawbone is firmly fused to the implant. Depending on a variety of factors, it may be possible to begin this phase of your treatment immediately or shortly after implant placement. We will review the most appropriate treatment sequence and timing for your particular situation.
The dental work required to complete your treatment is complex. Most of the work involves actually making the new teeth before they are placed. Your appointments are considered more comfortable and more pleasant than previous methods of tooth replacement. Frequently, this process can be performed without local anesthesia.
Your restorative treatment begins with specialized impressions that allow us to produce a replica of your mouth and implants. We will also make “bite” records so that we see the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. With this information, we will make the abutments (support posts) that attach your replacement teeth to your implants. Various types of abutments exist. Frequently, we can use “off the shelf” abutments. Other times, custom abutments must be made of gold or a tooth-colored ceramic material. As you can imagine, these custom made abutments add to the cost and treatment time involved. Which abutment to use is a decision that often cannot be made until after healing is complete and impressions have been made.
The number of appointments and the amount of time required for each appointment is different for each patient. No two cases are exactly the same and regardless of the number of teeth replaced, the work must be completed with great precision and attention to detail. If you are having only a few teeth replaced, as few as three short appointments may be required. Between appointments, we will need time to complete the necessary lab work to make your replacement teeth. It is most beneficial that you keep all of your scheduled appointments.
If your final restoration is a removable denture, you will need to come to as many as five office appointments (although it may be fewer) over the following several months. During these appointments, we will perform a series of impressions, bites and adjustments in order to make your new teeth, as well as the custom support bars, snaps, magnets, or clips that will secure your teeth to the implants. During this period, every effort will be made to ensure you have comfortable, temporary replacement teeth.
In general, once your implants are placed, you can expect your tooth replacement treatment to be completed anywhere from 1 to 12 months. For these reasons, it is difficult for us to tell you exactly how much the restorative phase of your treatment will cost, although you should receive a reasonable estimate from our office. It also is difficult to give you a specific timeframe for completion of your treatment until after the implants are ready for restoration.
Dental Implants
are the most technologically advanced and longest lasting tooth replacement option available. Restore your confidence … Smile, Eat & Enjoy!
How Do I Clean My New Teeth?
As with natural teeth, it is important that you clean implant-supported restorations regularly with toothbrushes, floss and any other recommended aids. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
Will One Doctor Do Everything?
Usually, a dental surgeon places the implant(s) and performs other necessary surgical procedures – your general dentist provides the temporary and permanent replacement teeth. Both doctors are involved in planning your dental treatment. Also, depending upon a variety of factors, different dental specialists may help with your dental care.
How Much Does All Of This Cost?
Before treatment begins, every effort will be made to give you an accurate estimate of all the expenses involved in placing the implants and making your replacement teeth. In many cases, there is an initial charge for the diagnostic work-up, including study models, x-rays, and the fabrication of a surgical template to ensure the best possible result. In addition you will be charged for the abutment or support post(s), plus the crown, dentures, or anything else that will be placed over the implants, including temporary restorations. Periodic maintenance such as hygiene visits, tissue conditioners, denture relines and other repairs will also incur additional charges.
When different doctors are involved in your treatment, you will be charged separately for their services. We will try to assist you in estimating what your actual payments will be after we evaluate your insurance coverage or other third party payments. Also, you should consider your personal financial investment in each treatment option as some insurance companies provide limited or no coverage.
Each patient is unique, and it is not possible for us to discuss every option and every contingency for treatment outcome. This booklet is intended to help you understand the general treatment options available to you. If your specific treatment options are not clear, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care.
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Grand Rapids Office Phone Number 616-361-7327 Make An
Appointment Online Patient
Registration
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Darin S
This was my last procedure for my implant of installing the post. Mark Grinzinger DDS,MD performed the surgery and was exceptional at his job. Asking me through out process if I was okey or uncomfortable. Went above and beyond from other places I’ve had work at. His assistants were stellar also in making me as comfortable as possible and even bringing in a fan for me or asking if I’d like window open. If you need any oral surgery I highly recommend this place and Dr Grinzinger. AAA+++ By the way. Grinzinger isn’t in drop down so we chose Emily at random
- Darin S
Patient Review By Harold R
The doctor and staff have excellent "bed side manner". They were very good at helping me be comfortable and helping me feel that I was in good hands. At this point, I have had a double extraction (including one wisdom tooth) in December of 2021 and an implant in March of 2022. All has went as prescribed and I am very satisfied.
- Harold R
Patient Review By Marilyn J
Dr. Emily and her staff are great!!!! They tell you everything that is going on, and every step that is being done. They make you feel comfortable right from the beginning. I would definitely recommend to anybody.
- Marilyn J
Patient Review By Richard B
Dr. Pisano was very good at explaining everything he was doing, and was very friendly. I felt like I was in really good hands during the extraction and then the implant placement. The assistants were also very friendly. I highly recommend the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants for anything that requires an oral surgeon.
- Richard B
Patient Review By Chuck N
Dr. Emily VanHeukelom and her staff have done a wonderful job with my three implants. They have been patient, answered every question that I have had, and even made me smile. I am very please their professional work and kindness.
- Chuck N
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Chadwick B
This is my second extraction and implant with Dr. Panek. Both procedures were quick and pain-free. Dr. Panek has had a lot of experience with these procedures, and it shows! I highly recommend him and his courteous staff.
- Chadwick B
Patient Review By Cheryl C
Special thanks to Daina for her support and Dr. Panic for the comfort and ease of my dental procedures. The entire staff was friendly and highly professional and I would recommend this office for everyone in need of these dental services.
- Cheryl C
Patient Review By Donna H
Dr Roseanne is the best oral surgeon that I have ever been to. She was so kind and very professional and worked fast but carefully.She is the best!
- Donna H
Patient Review By Ruth J
There is a lot of contact with staff and the physician. You are well taken care of before, during, and after the surgery. Before the surgery, there is a complete explanation of the procedure that is so reassuring. During surgery there is on-going communication with the patient about what is being done as well as how much time is left to complete the procedure. After surgery care is well-explained and you are encouraged to call their office with any questions or even if you need reassurance that any discomfort you may be feeling is normal or needs a follow-up. A letter is then received from the office two days after the surgery letting you know that your recovery is important to them along with numbers to call with any questions or concerns. I have never felt more taken care of. I highly recommend this office for any oral surgery needs. I've had two extractions and one implant at this office, and it's always as I've described. They care, and this is the only place I will go to have dental surgery.
- Ruth J
Patient Review By Jeana H
Very friendly and professional team
- Jeana H
Patient Review By Theresa T
The Rockford location staff were kind and courteous. Everyone I encounters were knowledgeable about the procedure and after care. The office was clean and tidy.
- Theresa T
Patient Review By Jill H
I have had numerous procedures done by the surgeons here and every experience has been exceptional. Highly recommend them!!
- Jill H
Patient Review By andre C
Very pleasnant easy experience considering the procedure . I was expecting a lot more pain and discomfort . Pleasantly surprised of how smootheverything went
- andre C