dental implant risks?
 

Hi,

I have MS and supposed to have a dental implant done this week on #13 and am SCARED! It scares me to think of having titanium drilled into the bone and left there for good. I am not too comfortable thinking about that. Not to mention, the post op recovery and among many side effects, the possibility of a nose bleed afterwards and bruising on the face and neck. I am seriously thinking of canceling! Any advice or experiences with a dental implant would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Hi Andrea,

Let me give a brief description of the placement of a dental implant in most cases.

1)The patient is giving anesthetic that makes the surgical site profoundly numb.

2) A small incision is made in the gum.

3) A surgical drill is used to drill a hole into the bone. Looks and sounds similar to the drill used when doing a fiilling.

4) The implant is then tapped or screwed into the hole.

5) The gum tissue is sutured closed. Sometimes a small piece of the implant is seen through the biting surface of the gum, other times it is not.

Some patients experience some pain or achiness for about a day or two.... other patients feel some discomfort, but nothing more than that.

I don't know who told you that you may have a nose bleed, but I have never known a patient to have that happen after the placement of an implant. Sometimes there is some facial bruising, but most times it is minimal if at all.

I would suggest that you try not to imagine anything other than what I have stated here as this is the norm in most cases. If you plan on being awake for this procedure, the use of headphones and music works great to distract you and block out the sound of the drill. If you are having IV sedation, you will not be aware of anything going on and the time passed will feel like minutes.

It is best to prepare a nutritious soft food diet ahead of time. Anytime you have oral surgery you should avoid food that requires a lot of chewing, spicy or hot temperature food, anything with seeds, and citrus or acidic foods for at least a few days, longer if you develop any complications. Drink plenty of water and just take it easy for a day or two.... nothing too strenuous like exercising or skiing for about 2 weeks post op.

Titanium is a bio-compatible material. It is used in various joint replacements throughout the body with great success. As far as I know, people with MS generally do well with this material. Make sure your dentist knows you have MS.

I hope this information eases your fears a bit and you don't cancel your appointment. Please let us know how you're doing after the surgery.

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

Thank you, I feel so much better after reading your reply. I have one other question, I am 52 years old, what do you think of a clear invisalign type dental flipper for #13 instead of the dental implant? (Less invasive which appeals to me.)

Thank you!

Bryanna,

I had the implant done earlier today and I don't have any pain or swelling! My mouth feels completely normal. It truly is amazing!

Thanks!

Andrea...

What did I tell you ;-)

You may get some achiness or discomfort or some weird twinges in the next day or so... but nothing more than that.

So glad you found your courage and went for it!

Bryanna