After tooth extraction, bone resorbs naturally. Without bone regeneration, implant placement might not be possible due to insufficient bone volume.

Dentists can use several materials as bone grafts to create enough bone for dental implants:

• small bone chips or, in case of larger defects, a bone block from the patient’s mouth, hip, or skull
• a bone substitute material together with a protective
  collagen membrane
• a combination of different materials

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure. Patients with asthma or diabetes, as well as smokers, can receive dental implants, but their healing process may take longer compared to overall healthy patients. Your overall health and implant maintenance may also affect the long-term
success of the implant.

Patient’s Gum Health

The thickness and quality of the gums are also important for both implant success and esthetics.

Gum Thickness

• protects the bone
• improves bone stability and esthetics

Gum Quality

• provides protection from bacteria

Patient Commitment

Oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, even more so for those with dental implants, to avoid inflammation affecting teeth or implants, which can lead to bone loss.

Recovery

DOs

• Follow your dentist’s advice.
• Maintain your oral hygiene, even if the surgical site itself shouldn’t be brushed with a toothbrush for a certain amount of time.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist.
• Treat swelling with moist cold pads.
• Consult your dentist if you are experiencing any pain.
• Make sure that you visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment.

DON’Ts

• Do not neglect your oral hygiene.
• Do not brush or floss on the surgical site for one week after surgery. A toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles can usually be used for cleaning the teeth in the vicinity of the wound.
• Do not drink coffee or alcohol and do not smoke cigarettes for two to three days after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are biomaterials made of?
Geistlich biomaterials are either made of allograft tissue, bovine bone, porcine collagen, and some contain a combination of bovine and porcine collagen.

Is there any risk of rejection or an allergic reaction?
Geistlich biomaterials are well accepted by patients, however, if you have known allergies to collagen please consult your dentist.

Is this a painful procedure?
Surgical procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Should you feel any pain, your dentist will increase the dose of the anesthetic.

Can I return to work the next day?
Yes, you can. However, if your work involves heavy physical activities, it is best to wait for at least two days.

How long does it take to heal?
Healing time depends on each individual. Normally, initial wound healing takes 7–10 days.

Patient Video

Geistlich Pharma In A Nutshell