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 this month’s blog, we will share some facts about the dental implant recovery process.
- 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 underwent a simple implant placement surgery that did not require any grafting, you would have very minimal swelling, and discomfort following the treatment may last a few days. If you are in pain, you will be advised to take over the counter pain killers.
- 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 may advise you to consume only soft foods for the next few weeks.
- How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?
Dental implant recovery time depends on the type of surgery required 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 will dramatically increase the time it takes to recover and can prevent the healing process.
- 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 as it may irritate the 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.
- Fish- The essential omega fats will help you recover while adding some flavour to your palette.
- Healthy Juices- Take as much liquid as possible.
- Avoid foods that are overly cold, hot, chewy, rough, or spicy.
- Self-Care for Recovery
After you have had your dental implant surgery, you will need to take care of your mouth so that your recovery is easy and quick.
- Rest – Get some rest. You will 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.
- Oral hygiene – Avoid putting too much pressure on the wound for a couple of days, while brushing and flossing, rinse with salt water.
- Apply Ice – It is common to have bruises or some swelling on your face. After a few days, the swelling should subside.
- 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.
More Information on Dental Implants
We have been providing professional, high-quality dental services in Lewes and Ringmer for over 25 years! For patients who are missing teeth, Ringmer Dental 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. We also have monthly payment plans available. Contact Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 to book a free consultation, to learn more about our dental implants.