Thank you for your question. Dentists and surgeons typically prescribe around 2-4 months for proper healing time for implants to integrate with stability into your bone. We prefer more healing in the posterior regions of the mouth. Maxillary (upper jaw bone) is less dense and thus without radiographic imaging, it hard to ascertain the quality and condition of your bone at present. Having said that, typically after an implant is placed, either a cover or protective screw or healing attachment (abutment) is secured to protect the head or top part of the dental implant. In some cases, the gums are sutured over and in some cases you will see some exposure of the implant/screw/attachment itself - this is determined by your dentist and/or surgeon. Bottom line: we want to keep pressure of the gums surrounding the top of the implant and screw/attachment to promote the healing. I would say at six weeks out you are probably fine to resume, however, you want to ensure your partial will not place any undue pressure or stress over the implant sites and gums during wear. Therefore, a quick return to your dentist for a "fit check" of your partial is recommended to ensure the fit is comfortable and does not interfere with the healing and treatment plan for restoring your back teeth with crowns that will secure into your implants. He/she can make adjustments to the underneath aspect of your partial to provide you the comfort, fit and function you are seeking.
Thank you for your question. Without any photos or images, it can be difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. We are assuming here it is not related to the tooth that was extracted and also any remaining teeth still present. A potential differential (assuming the area is on the side of your cheek) could be a local anesthetic injection hematoma. Dental injections are intra-muscular - meaning they do penetrate through various tissues and muscles to achieve the sedative effect desired. If that area is tender to the touch and slightly sore, then it should resolve within time. If not, it is worth obtaining further consultation to look at the coloration, tone, texture and mobility of the swollen area on your affected gum and cheek tissues. If still present in size and scope, I would monitor and return to your periodontist and/or dental professional to have a further evaluation regarding your implant and bone grafting status with recommended radiographic/photographic imaging and follow-up regarding your condition for assurance and proper diagnosis.
Thank you for your question. I am assuming you were in custom temporaries while your porcelain crowns were being fabricated in which case the "feel factor" will be different from the temporary material to the porcelain. Note how long you have had the crowns cemented. One week or two may take some adjusting but several weeks in, you should consult again with your dentist. Make a note if the crowns are all porcelain or if a porcelain to metal interface was utilized on the "back" side of your crowns - your dentist will know. The tongue can discern these differences in which case polishing can help alleviate any discomfort. Consult with your dentist accordingly and rest assured they can utilize several techniques to help calibrate your comfort and concerns.
Thank you for your question. Implants when placed in a predictable location with proper bone support (sometimes bone grafting can be needed for additional stability), can have an extremely favorable prognosis when planned correctly. From a force standpoint, it is important to understand our natural teeth have ligaments that provide sensational feedback for pressure and pain. When a tooth is removed, the ligament and supporting structures (nerves and fibers) are also removed so it is important to know that an implant will not provide the same "sensational" feedback if there is too much force in place on the implant crown itself. Thus, there is a typical healing period (3-6 months) following implant placement that is important for proper integration and stability of the implant prior to receiving the final crown to accommodate similar forces as a natural tooth. In addition, a bite guard prescribed to be worn at night will protect the implant crown and help mitigate additional forces imposed on the implant or the crown to further increase the longevity.Bottom line: Implants are the ideal solution to replace a failing tooth to preserve facial structure and surrounding bone. While the force tolerance will not be exactly the same as a natural tooth, it can be comparable and their longevity is terrific when placed with adequate bone. They can be a life-long alternative with routine check-ups. Be sure to consult with your dental team to ensure you are well informed regarding your bone support around tooth #19. Your treatment plan will address specifically your healing time and procedure(s) needed for your success!
Thank you for your question. First and foremost, if a tooth is determined "non-vital" there should be diagnostic information on hand to back up the diagnosis. Ensure, you have been properly educated with your dental team on what the etiology is that has caused your tooth to be non-vital. Assess your radiographs and clinical exam info together with your dentist to better understand if you have an infection, dental caries and/or possibly trauma to the tooth for the vitality status (if "dead or alive").Moreover, if the tooth is indeed determined non-vital, then a root canal is typically the recommended course of treatment to properly seal and preserve the tooth prior to any cosmetic whitening. Intrinsic bleaching within the root canal is a technique your dentist and/or endodontist can possibly assist with following endodontics. In addition, certain situations of bonding on the facial (or crown) of the tooth can be successful following whitening to determine the proper shade as well as possible porcelain veneer / crown restorations for your desired shade and result.At the very least, consult with your dentist again regarding your dental treatment to ensure you are well informed about the whitening and status of the tooth prior to your "big day" in September!!
