Answers to the questions patients ask us most.
Plain-language articles on implants, everyday dental care, cosmetic treatment, and what to expect at a visit. Every article is reviewed by Dr. Shivam S. Patel before it’s published, and each one shows the date it was last reviewed.
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Printed temporary crowns vs. final crowns: why we use both
At MCDI, crowns are designed from digital scans of your teeth. We 3D-print long-term temporary crowns and bridges in our office, and most final crowns are made by a dental lab in ceramic or zirconia, materials with a long clinical track record.
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Immediate vs. delayed implant placement: what’s the difference?
Immediate placement means the implant goes in at the same visit the tooth is removed. Delayed placement means the site heals first, sometimes with a bone graft, and the implant is placed later. At MCDI, full-arch cases with immediate placement typically reach final teeth in about 3 to 5 months, and cases placed after a healing period in about 5 to 6 months.
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Full-arch implant recovery, week by week
Most full-arch patients find days 2 and 3 the hardest, when swelling peaks, and are comfortable on over-the-counter pain relievers by the end of the first week. You stay on soft foods until your final teeth are delivered, typically about 3 to 5 months after surgery when implants are placed the same day teeth are removed. Every recovery is different, and your written instructions come first.
Our editorial standards
Articles are drafted by our team and reviewed by Dr. Patel before they’re published. Each one describes how we actually work at MCDI, and we update or remove an article when that changes. There is no sponsored content, and we don’t name products or companies in exchange for anything. Articles are general education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan.