Dental Implants

Got a missing tooth? Fix it quick with implants from Coaldale Dental Centre

An alternative to traditional dentures, dental implants offer another great option for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’re experiencing slipping or discomfort while chewing with your current dentures, or you’re simply yearning for the ability to munch your favourite crunchy foods again, Coaldale Dental Centre (just a short drive away from Lethbridge!) can help.

How do dental implants work?

A two-part structure, implants are composed of a titanium base and a porcelain crown.

The procedure is relatively straightforward.

First, we’ll extract your tooth’s root, then drill a small hole into your jaw bone. Once we’ve implanted a prosthetic root (a metal post) and it’s had time to fuse into your jaw bone (about three months), we’ll attach a permanent artificial tooth (called a crown) on top. This colour-matched, custom-shaped crown will give you a strong, comfortable bite — and of course, a full, natural-looking smile.

Benefits:

• Stronger than natural teeth (allowing you to chew your favourite crunchy foods)
• Supports facial muscles
• Improves speech
• Boosts self-esteem as you’ve got your winning smile back!

This implant will not decay and it will actually help preserve and even stimulate the condition of the jaw bone — which can seriously deteriorate when a tooth is missing.

How do I know if this procedure is right for me?

As long as you have adult teeth and your oral health is in generally good condition, you can get dental implants regardless of your age.

Though they’re considered minor surgery (and as such may not be completely covered by dental insurance) and will require some recovery time, the long-lasting benefits far outweigh the initial investment!

If you’re curious about dental implants and are trying to decide if they’re a good option for you, contact Coaldale Dental Centre today. Our dental professionals will be happy to speak with you and help you weigh your options.

Pre – Op Implant Instructions

• Try not to plan any important or strenuous event until a week after the implant surgery. The first few days after the operation will be dedicated to resting adequately and caring for your oral cavity. While some patients are able to return to their normal routine after three days, you should err on the side of caution and avoid any kind of hectic schedule immediately after the surgery.
• Avoid all substances that may thin the blood and increase chances of bruising:  Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Alcohol, Vitamin E, St Johns Wart, Garlic, Turmeric, Ginkgo and Omega Fatty Acids. 
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
• Before you go for your appointment, remove any makeup and put on loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. A short sleeve t shirt is needed as your blood pressure is monitored for the procedure, you will also be fully draped as this is a sterile environment.
• Ensure that you get enough rest the night before the surgery. That way, you will have sufficient energy to recover quickly after the procedure.
• To ensure a successful dental implant surgery, you need to keep your oral hygiene routine at its best. Slacking on dental care can cause infection and slow the rate of healing. It may also cause the dental implant to fail prematurely. By following the steps listed above, you will be fully prepared for your procedure.

Implant Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

• Eat a liquid diet for the first 6 hours following surgery unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise for at least 1 week after surgery.
• Apply ice to face to reduce swelling the day of surgery.
• Apply gauze directly over the surgical area and bite gently to stop bleeding.
• Take prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor and finish the antibiotics.
• Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest during the first 48 hours.
• Maintain good nutrition during the healing period.
• NOTE: sutures may come out with gentle brushing, and a small amount of bleeding is normal.

Things to Avoid After Surgery

• Do not smoke after surgery
• No consumption of alcoholic beverages for a period of 2 weeks after implant surgery.
• Avoid chewing hard foods for a period of 3 months after the implant surgery.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical site.

NITROUS OXIDE Pre-Operative Instructions

• DO NOT eat or drink anything 2 hours prior to the appointment. This includes water. Nitrous oxide can cause “stomach butterflies” (nausea), which may result in vomiting.
• Wear loose clothing that does not restrict breathing and allows a blood pressure cuff to be placed on the skin of your upper arm. Please avoid turtlenecks and dresses.
• DO NOT wear contact lenses. Please wear your glasses instead.
• DO NOT wear fitted jewelry.
• DO NOT wear nail polish, shellac, or acrylic nails. A probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your pulse and oxygen while the nitrous oxide is being administered and does not work well on nail varnish or fake nails.
• Minimal makeup is best for the day of your procedure. Do not wear lipstick or heavy eye makeup.
• Perform your usual oral hygiene routine prior to your appointment.
• DO NOT ignore a head or chest cold when having a dental procedure completed. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask. You must be able to breathe through the nose (blocked nasal passages, colds, etc., defeat the idea of using nitrous oxide for relaxation). Call immediately if you have any cold symptoms. A change of appointment may be necessary.
• All minors, 15 years old or younger, must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the consent form.
• If you are required to take antibiotic pre-medication before any dental procedure, please take your antibiotics 60 minutes before your appointment with a small sip of water.

During Nitrous Oxide

• Breathe through the nose only. Notify the doctor if you are experiencing difficulty in breathing through your nose.
• Try to keep talking to a minimum while nitrous oxide is being used. Talking blows nitrous oxide into the room, lessening the desired effect for you, and exposing the dental staff to the nitrous effects.
• You may feel nauseated, dizzy, drowsy or claustrophobic during and after nitrous oxide use.
• During the procedure, please let the staff know if you are having any issues.

Nitrous Oxide Post-Operative Care Instructions

• The gas dissipates from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after administration has stopped and the effects are rapidly ceased.
• Recovery status will be assessed following the procedure. Only fully recovered individuals can be considered for discharge unaccompanied. Should any residual symptoms remain, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult.