Typical, yet different.

The following questions are typical; however your particular case should be fully discussed with your own medical doctor(s). In addition, all cases are individual and unique, and we at EON Clinics have an entire team dedicated to address your specific concerns.

Presurgical

Will antibiotics be prescribed prior to surgery? What kind? For how long?
Most oral surgeons do not prescribe preoperative antibiotics, however antibiotics given at the time of surgery via IV may be indicated. We will commonly use antibiotics such as clindamycin and amoxicillin that kill bacteria found in the mouth known as oral flora (an oral bacterium). The specific drug used will depend on the operation and the allergy profile of the patient. A short post operative course of antibiotics is almost always prescribed.

Are there any medications and/or vitamins that need to be avoided? If so, for how long?
Prior to surgery you will discuss your medications with your surgeon. Aspirin, and other types of blood thinners such as Coumadin, should be stopped a week before the operation as it can increase bleeding. Most other medications should be continued. Again, it is very important to discuss these and other medications with both your primary care doctor and your oral surgeon before the implant procedure.

Are there food and drink restrictions prior to surgery?
Only if the patient is being sedated. In this case, the patient should not consume anything, including water, 6 - 8 hours prior to the procedure.

Surgery

What anesthesia will be used? How will it be administered?
The patient and surgeon will discuss anesthesia options. It is our goal to provide state of the art care with minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia (a drug such as lidocaine) can be injected at the surgical site. If the operation is more involved, sedation will be used via an IV placed in the arm or hand.

Will vital signs be monitored?
Yes, with sedation the oral surgeon and surgical assistants will continuously monitor the vital signs.

Will sedatives and/or anti-anxiety medication be used? Which one(s)?
With IV sedation all of the drugs have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative properties designed to relax you. These include propofol, Versed, and possibly a narcotic such as fentanyl. A preoperative oral sedative can be prescribed in some cases.

What type of pain management will be administered?
During the procedure a local anesthetic to help block pain, such as lidocaine, will be given. Following the procedure, a combination of adequate pain medications mixed with a non steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen will be prescribed.

What is estimated length of surgery?
Single tooth implants can be placed in less than 30 minutes, multiple tooth implants can be up to an hour, while a full jaw could be 2-3 hours.

Are implants placed within gum line so natural gums are visible/grow over implants? Or are implants constructed with artificial gums and placed over natural gums (similar to traditional dentures)?
Placement of the implants depends on many factors, with outstanding results. The surgeon and prosthodontist, along with the patient's input, will decide which option is best.

Is there much blood loss?
It would be very very rare to have significant blood loss.

If jaw bone density was evaluated and found appropriate prior to surgery, is it possible to find inadequate bone density during surgery and further exploration, resulting in inability to complete the procedure? What alternatives are available if this should occur?
In these rare occasions, either immediate bone grafting or staged bone grafting can correct the problem. The key is to hold off on implant placement if the chance of osseointegration (the implant fusing to the bone) is poor.

How many implant procedures has your team placed?
EON Clinics' clinicians have placed and restored thousands of implants, all with success rates greater than 97%.