Post Implant Placement

• The continuation of antibiotics for one week past placement
  (Pen V.K. or Doxycyline in appropriate dose format is often utilized).
• Pain medication if indicated (Rarely necessary unless tissue flap was reflected in procedure).
• Tooth brushing with Scope instead of paste for 48 hours.
• Call patient at home within 48 hours to check for any problems and to answer questions.
• 7-day appointment to evaluate soft tissue healing and check for any infection.
• 90-day appointment to evaluate osseointergration by physical test and P.A. film. OK to laboratory to proceed with prosthetics if all is well. For D3 and D4 bone 6 months or more are needed for acceptable osseointergration before prosthetics are undertaken.

Post Prosthetics Placement

After placement of the crown(s), the patient must be put on a systematic recall system for routine evaluation.  The recalls should be at three-month intervals for the first year, then at the times of routine dental prophylaxis.  Some patients may still require more frequent follow-up.

Each recall visit should include the following:

• Evaluation of the patient's oral hygiene (input from hygienist).  Periodontal problems can of course cause implant failure.  The patient's hygiene must be meticulous and remotivation initiated if necessary.
• Gnathological evaluation to make sure there is no excessive stress on the implant(s).
• Test the continued stability of the implant.  Radiographs should be taken to evaluate evidence of any bone resorption around the implant body.
• Periodontal evaluation - A gingival index, including the evaluation of pocket depth around the circumference of the implant should be performed.
• As the patient is dismissed, with the prosthetics in place, a short heart to heart talk about oral hygiene procedures must be initiated.  Flossing, micro brushing, rinsing, must be stressed now and with each follow-up appointment.

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