Dental implants are makeover procedures dentists use to replace lost teeth. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that dentists place in your jawbone and connect a fixed bridge, single crown, complete denture, or partial denture on top. Like any other surgery, dental implants take some time to heal and need patience. In addition, your bones need time to mend, and the entire procedure might take months. However, depending on the number of implants you received, your incision might heal in as little as two weeks.
We first need to have a comprehensive overview of the dental implant healing stages:
- The Surgical Stage: The first stage involves the surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for the future restoration.
- The Osseointegration Healing Stage: During this crucial phase, the implant integrates and fuses with the surrounding jawbone, promoting stability and long-term success.
- The Post-Implant Healing Stage: As the implant undergoes further healing, the surrounding tissues recover, ensuring optimal gum health and aesthetic integration.
- The Restoration Stage: This final stage involves the placement of the dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge, onto the healed implant, enabling full functionality and a natural-looking smile.
Understanding the progressive nature of these four essential stages allows patients to appreciate the comprehensive healing process involved in dental implant treatment, ensuring successful outcomes and a restored oral function.
Here, we will share quick facts about the dental implant recovery process.
1. How Long Does Pain Last?
The type of implant procedure you will have affects the duration of the healing process:
Simple Implant Procedure
If you just have one tooth replaced, your bone is good, and no grafting is required, you should only have minor discomfort for a few weeks. If you underwent a simple implant placement surgery that did not require any grafting, you would most likely have very minimal swelling, and discomfort following the treatment may last a few days. If you are in pain, the dentist may prescribe medicine to relieve you. You should be able to resume your usual food regimen after seven to ten days.
Complex Implant Procedure
Some people may take longer to heal than others. Those who have several implants or who have a complicated surgery may suffer additional discomfort. After the operation, the dentist would probably advise you to consume only soft foods for the next six weeks.
2. How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?
Dental implant recovery time depends on the type of surgery required ( ex grafting, tooth extractions, etc) and overall oral health such as the number of teeth you have extracted and implanted (single, multiple, or full dental). Depending on the quality of the bone and the size of the implants, initial healing may take 7-10 days, but the implant will fully integrate into the bone and be ready for the restorative phase of your therapy in 3-6 months!
In addition, lifestyle choices may significantly impact your dental implant healing time. Smoking, for example, can lead to implant problems and failure, as well as lengthen the time it takes to recover and could damage your healing process.
3. Dental Implant Recovery Diet
Be careful of what you eat; while the clot is repairing the wounds in your mouth, try not to disturb it. As a result, avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and drink using a straw whenever possible. It will be difficult to chew or eat correctly for a few days for it may irritate the operated area, but you can eat soft, mushy food that might include:
- Baked or cooked beans – also a good source of protein!
- Bananas- They are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as help you keep yourself full.
- Avocado- Well, it is the boss of them all. Have it, and you’ll know what potential it has!
- Fish- The essential omega fats will help you recover while adding some flavor to your palette.
- Healthy Juices- Take as much liquid as possible.
Avoid foods that are overly cold, hot, chewy, rough, or spicy.
4. Self Care For Quick And Easy Recovery
After you’ve had your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to take care of your mouth so that your recovery is easy and quick.
Rest
Get some rest after your implant. You will probably feel drowsy especially if the dentist gave you a sedative. Avoid circumstances that need you to concentrate, such as driving, strenuous activity, lifting or bending anything that could cause blood clots to dislodge and bleeding. Patients can use extra pillows to help elevate the head while sleeping.
Activities After Dental Implant Surgery
Avoid exercise for the first couple of days after the surgery. You can do some light yoga or walk in the garden to relieve your muscles if you want. Avoid putting much pressure on the wound for a couple of days, while brushing and flossing, gently clean the area. If your dentist advises you to skip brushing and mouthwash, rinse with saltwater (eight ounces warm water + 1/2 teaspoon salt) and avoid brushing the sore region at first, but brush your other teeth regularly.
Apply Ice
It is common to have bruises or swells on your face. After a few days, the swelling should subside. However, infections may arise. If you discover pus or develop a fever, notify your dentist right away.
Follow-up
Typically, your dentist will schedule follow-up sessions after surgery to ensure that you are healing correctly. Dental implants require routine professional cleanings, dental check-ups, and careful home care to ensure their long-term viability. Everyone is unique; the patient’s planning/diagnosis, medical history, and lifestyle choices determine the outcome of the dental implant.
More Information on Dental Implants
We’ve been providing professional, high-quality dental services in Fareham for over 25 years! For patients who are missing teeth, Crofton Dental Care offers high-quality Dental Implant services. We use the most advanced Dental Implant systems with remarkable results, from single-tooth implants to whole mouth restorations, with exceptional results to dozens of people. We have monthly payment plans available. Contact us now to book a free consultation, to learn more about our dental implants.