Dental implant surgery, just like any other type of surgery, requires a recovery period. After getting one or multiple dental implants inserted, the recovery is relatively short. Here, our Pictou County dentists explain.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically attached to the jawbone to act as an anchor for a permanent artificial tooth. Dental implants are usually a recommended option for anyone missing one or more teeth.
There is no set-in-stone recovery time for all implant patients since each patient will have a unique oral condition that affects the surgery and their recovery. However, we can look at general timelines.
It typically takes 5 to 7 days for all the symptoms to subside after dental implant surgery, and anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the gums to fully heal before the artificial tooth can be placed.
While recovery is generally short for this oral surgery procedure, recovery time can vary depending on how the procedure went, how well you take care of yourself after, and how your body reacts to the implant.
What To Expect After Impant Surgery
Some symptoms you may experience on the first day include persistent bleeding, swelling and pain. But don't fret! These are all expected signs that your body is healing itself.
In order to help make your recovery faster and minimize pain during healing, be careful not to disturb the surgical areas while it's healing, and follow your dentist's instructions for post-surgery care.
On the second and third days after surgery, your body will continue the healing process. There maybe be some minor swelling, and mild discomfort and bruising that lasts for a few days. However, this is typically well-managed by medication and post-operative care. If swelling, discomfort or other issues worsen in the days following your procedure, contact your dentist.
After about 7 to 10 days, many patients return to a normal diet. In some cases, patients may be advised to stick to a soft diet for up to 6 weeks following the procedure. Your dentist will provide you with instructions suitable for your specific case.
Helping To Speed Healing
Dental implant recovery time and the healing process can be delayed or impaired by smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, and lack of proper dental care (such as regular brushing), so it is best to avoid these actions following implant surgery. Our dental team recommends that dental implant patients avoid strenuous activities in the days immediately following surgery to prevent dislodging the blood clot and causing bleeding. When it's time to go to bed, elevate your head using extra pillows.
Other factors that could impact recovery time include the number of teeth that needed to be extracted and implanted; whether the bone is healthy enough for the implants to bond to; if the procedure required bone grafting; and individual differences in healing time.
Maintaining oral hygiene and home care is essential to recovery and helps to ensure that no plaque or infection builds up around the gums. After 24 hours, you can also begin to gently rinse with salt water, apply ice as needed, and be sure to rest as much as possible.
Adding a Tooth Replacement
The implants will continue to naturally bond with the bone once the initial healing process is complete.
A tooth replacement can be added immediately in some cases, but in most cases, a tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge will be added anywhere from 2 to 6 months after the implant has been placed and the gums are fully healed.