Dental implant surgery is a major surgical procedure that can change your smile, speech and overall structure. Here is what you can expect from your recovery.
The number of
dental implant procedures increased by 6.3% in a single year. It's expected that the total number of implants will increase by 23% between 2020 and 2026. While receiving dental implants is becoming more common, not many people understand the procedure.
Do you know what to expect after your dental implant surgery? How long will the recovery period take?
Keep reading to find out!
In this guide, we'll answer all of your questions regarding post-op care. Then, you can plan for an efficient, effective dental implant recovery. Planning your recovery period ahead of time will ensure you take care of yourself properly.
Get ready for your dental implants with these tips today!
The Procedure
First, it helps to understand a little more about the
dental implant procedure. You'll start by scheduling a consultation appointment with your dentist. Make sure to ask your dentist any questions you have about the procedure.
They'll help you determine if dental implants are the best course of action for your needs. They'll assess your overall health and complete a 3D CT scan to determine if you're an ideal candidate.
Then, they'll review the different types of dental implants you might want to consider.
If you decide implants are right for you, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan. They'll need to take impressions of your jaw and teeth.
In some cases, your dentist might need to extract a tooth before your implant procedure. If you have healthy bones, you could schedule the procedure for the same day.
In other cases, you might require bone grafting.
Bone grafting ensures you have the necessary bone foundation for the implant to adhere to. This procedure is common when patients are missing teeth. You might need a few months to heal between the graft and dental implant surgery.
Then, your dentist will schedule your surgery. They'll insert the implant into your bone, then send you home to heal.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Every patient will require a different amount of time for their dental implant recovery period. It depends on your unique oral condition and how it impacts surgery. Different factors can impact your recovery time, including:
- The number of teeth that were extracted and implants
- If the procedure required bone grafting
- If the bone was healthy enough for implants to adhere to
You might need to have a single tooth or multiple teeth implanted. Some patients require implants for the whole jaw. Your pain tolerance and lifestyle could impact your healing time, too.
For example, smoking could increase the amount of time it takes for you to recover.
If you need a bone graft, your recovery time will take longer.
If you had a simple procedure without grafting, it's likely you won't experience too much discomfort or swelling. These symptoms might only last a few days.
How Long Will It Hurt?
It's likely you'll experience a little discomfort after your dental implant surgery. You might experience pain around the implant area. Swelling, minor bleeding, and bruising of the gums are common, too.
The amount of pain you'll experience can depend on the extent of your dental implant surgery. If you had a simple procedure, you should experience minimal discomfort.
Moderate procedures can cause some swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Patients who require complex procedures require more recovery time. Your dentist might recommend you only eat soft food for six weeks after the procedure.
If your symptoms become worse in the week after your procedure, contact your dentist right away. You should stop experiencing pain after two weeks. Otherwise, you might have an infection.
If you experience pain after three months, it's possible your body is rejecting the implant. Contact your dentist right away.
Dental implants have a
98% success rate. With proper care, you can ensure your implants will last a lifetime.
Recovery Tips
Want to plan for the best possible dental implant recovery process? Here are a few tips that can improve your post-op care.
1. Take It Easy
First, make an effort to take it easy following your procedure. Try to take the day off to rest. If you received a sedative, you'll likely feel drowsy.
Avoid any strenuous activities or activities that require concentration, like driving.
Rest with your head elevated using extra pillows.
In the meantime, pay attention to any symptoms you experience. Let your dentist know about any issues that last more than a few days, such as:
- Fever
- Infection
- Swelling
- Breathing or swallowing problems
Breathing or swallowing issues could indicate an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
A little post-surgery bleeding is normal for 48 to 72 hours after your surgery. Don't remove the surgical gauze from your wounds. Instead, bite down on them to reduce bleeding.
If the bleeding is heavier than you expected, replace the surgical gauze sponges.
You might experience swelling three to four days after your surgery. The swelling should subside after seven days.
Apply ice to your jaw for 30 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. If you notice pus or develop a fever, let your dentist know.
You might have mouth stitches, too. The stitches will dissolve about three to five days after your surgery.
2. Follow the Dentist's Instructions
Make sure to follow your dentist's instructions.
If your mouth is sensitive, they might have you avoid standard oral hygiene. After 24 hours, you should resume your oral hygiene practices.
Avoid smoking at all costs. Smoking can impact the healing process.
3. Adjust Your Diet
Try to stick to soft, cool foods for a while, including:
- Instant oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
Avoid foods that are too hot or cold.
Don't drink carbonated beverages or alcohol. Avoid using straws, too.
4. Take Your Pain Medication
Write down the instructions your doctor gives you regarding your medications. You might need an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage your pain.
Otherwise, your dentist can prescribe something stronger.
5. Follow-Up
Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist. They'll make sure you're healing properly.
Dental Implant Surgery Recovery: Your Guide to Easy Healing
Ready to renew your smile? With dental implant surgery, you can grin from ear to ear! Plan for an effective dental implant recovery process with these tips today.
Want to discuss your dental needs with a member of our team? We're here to help.
Contact us today to request an appointment.
