Healing After Dental Implants: What to Expect

Dental implants are a great restorative treatment if you are missing one or more teeth. But, if this is the very time you are doing this, you may wonder what to expect and how the healing process will go.

Here's what you need to know. 

Dental Implant Procedure

A dental implant mimics natural teeth and will replace not only the crown but the root too. 

Dental implants are made of 3 parts:

• A metal post that is inserted into the jawbone
• An abutment that connects the implant to the crown 
• A dental crown that will look just like a natural tooth

Preparing for Implants

In order to prepare for dental implants, the dentist will start by performing a complete examination of your oral health.

You will also discuss with your dentist your medical history to be able to create an adequate treatment plan. Certain conditions and medications can interfere in the process and may not make you a good candidate for implants. 

Once the dentist has all the information needed, you will receive a treatment plan for your dental surgery. This plan will be created to cover your specific needs and fit your specific situation. 

Healing/ Recovery Timeline

It's normal to feel discomfort, soreness, or tenderness in the area where the implant was placed. 

Your dentist might prescribe medicine for when the anesthesia wears off to keep the pain away.

After a few days, the discomfort and sensitivity should reduce, and you will be able to eat, clean your teeth, and speak normally. 

In case the pain doesn’t subside, check with your dentist to make sure the healing process is going ok, or if there's an issue that needs to be addressed quickly. 

For some people, recovery starts after a couple of days, but for others, it can take longer. It all depends on how many implants you’ve had, or if other procedures were needed. 

Oral hygiene, your age, and your oral and general health play an important role in the recovery and healing process.

Aftercare

After getting the implants, you need to brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean to avoid bacteria affecting the implant site.

Avoid rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or touching the area with your tongue or fingers. 

Talk to your dentist about the type of mouthwash you can use. Clean your teeth like usually just make sure to avoid the implant area. Also, do not spit, drink with straws, or smoke.

Rest after the surgery and avoid hard physical activities for around 3 days after getting the implant. 

What You Should eat

Stay hydrated and eat cold foods and avoid hot beverages and foods. You can start eating once the anesthesia has worn off but avoid biting and chewing on the implant side for a few days. Eat soft foods and don’t force your mouth. 

We Can Help Restore Your Smile

At Stroing and White Dental, we are committed to providing quality dental care to all of our patients. It is our team’s mission to make sure that you will get a smile you can be proud of every day.

Send us a message or get in touch with us by following the link here, and let us know how we can help you.