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One of the most highly recommended ways to restore a beautiful and functional smile is with dental implants. In just a few short visits with Dr. Simm, you can regain tooth function and start smiling confidently again. We have restored smiles for many patients in the Delcambre and Lafayette, LA areas. If you want the same success story for your own smile, Adrian M. Simm, DDS is the place to go for exceptional dental implants.
With an outstanding success rate of over 95 percent, dental implants are a superior option for tooth replacement. The placement process can be completed in a series of simple steps right here in our office. Here is some additional detail about the four simple steps:
Step One: The first step in restoring a healthy smile is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Simm. During this first exam, your mouth, teeth and jawbone will be evaluated to determine the best treatment plan for your dental implants.
Step Two: A small incision is made and a tiny titanium fixture is inserted. The incision is then carefully closed and the patient is sent home to heal.
Step Three: After the implant area is sufficiently healed, the patient will return to Dr. Simm’s office to have a small piece called an abutment attached. During this stage, Dr. Simm will use his considerable expertise to begin crafting your replacement tooth. The goal is to perfectly match your replacement teeth to the shape, color and texture of your natural teeth.
Step Four: The last step is for Dr. Simm to place the crown onto the abutment piece. After this step, you can enjoy your newly restored smile.
Here is some helpful information to give you a better idea of what will happen after your dental implant placement.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising usually happen after any form of oral surgery and can last for 2 to 3 days after surgery. Patients can reduce these side effects by applying ice packs to the jaw area every 20 minutes. Swelling that does not dissipate in 4-5 days may mean that you have an infection at your implant site.
Bleeding: Bleeding is normal after oral surgery. If you notice excessive bleeding, place a gauze pack over the area and bite down. Be sure to sit upright as much as possible and avoid any strenuous physical activity.
Eating: We advise that patients avoid eating until all of the feeling in the tongue and mouth have returned. Soft, room temperature food can be consumed if patients are hungry. But patients should be sure to chew on the side of their mouth away from the surgical site and avoid hard foods until their doctor advises them it is okay to consume them.
Drinking: It is very important that patients NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW, RINSE, OR SPIT after any kind of oral surgery. These actions could result in bleeding, excess saliva, and injury to delicate oral tissues.
Pain: The level of pain usually varies from patient to patient. However, most patients experience mild discomfort after their oral surgery. To reduce pain, patients should take medication as prescribed.
Nausea: Occasionally, our patients experience nausea and/or vomiting when they swallow blood. Some also experience discomfort or have a negative reaction to anesthesia. These are relatively common reactions, but should be monitored if experienced. Patients can try eating crackers or sipping ginger ale to relieve nausea.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection after oral surgery. Always take antibiotics as directed by your doctor and discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs.
Complications: Some of our patients experience a small increase in temperature after their oral surgery. This is normal. However, if your temperature increases for more than 24 hours, you will need to call our office.
Other Side Effects: Other normal side effects are a sore throat, dry lips, pain when swallowing, difficulty opening your mouth, and stiffness of the jaw muscles following your oral surgery.
If any of these issues continue for longer than a few days or worsen, please call our office immediately for further direction.
For your convenience, your implants can be cleaned at the same time as your regular dental check-ups. However, you should examine your implant area regularly. Any changes, including swelling or pain should be reported to Dr. Simm. If these instructions are followed, your implants can last for may decades.
The wonderful staff at Adrian M. Simm, DDS wants to help you stop dreaming about a better smile and make it a reality with dental implants. In just a few short visits to his state-of-the-art facility in Delcambre, LA, Dr. Simm can help you to eat, speak and smile confidently once more. Still have questions about dental implants? Please feel free to peruse the rest of our infosite, then call one of our helpful staff members when you are ready to schedule a no-obligation dental implants consultation.