Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, boosting confidence and improving oral health. While minimally invasive, the placement of implants does involve a surgical procedure. To ensure successful healing and a lifetime of enjoyment from your new smile, dedicating time to proper recovery is crucial. This article explores what to expect after dental implant surgery and how to optimize your healing journey.
What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants
The First 24 Hours
- Tenderness and swelling are normal; you will likely experience some bleeding at the implant site.
- Post-anesthesia disorientation, nausea, or other symptoms will be most prominent right after surgery, and will wear off throughout the day.
The First Three Days
- Tenderness and swelling should steadily improve, and bleeding should cease after a couple of days.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the implant sites.
The First Week
- Gradual Return to Routine: Following your dentist's guidance, you can gradually resume your daily activities. Prioritize rest and listen to your body, managing any discomfort with dentist-recommended pain management strategies.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to monitor your healing progress. This ensures optimal recovery and allows your dentist to address any questions or concerns you may have.
3-6 Weeks
- Fusion with Jawbone (Osseointegration): While you recover, your implant undergoes a remarkable process called osseointegration. During this time, the implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for your new tooth. To optimize this critical healing phase, maintain meticulous oral hygiene. Gently brush the area and use a dentist-prescribed mouthwash for rinsing. It's also important to avoid smoking, as it can significantly hinder osseointegration and compromise the success of your implant.
3-6 Months
- Osseointegration usually takes several months to complete. Your dentist will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments. During this time, you may have temporary restorations or be advised to avoid putting excessive pressure on the implant site.
6-8 Months
- Completion of Your New Smile: If everything progresses smoothly during healing, crowns or dentures are typically ready to be installed at this point. You may need to attend one or more follow-up appointments to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable feel for your new, permanent smile.
Dental Implant Recovery Tips
- We recommend taking it easy the first day after your procedure. While this is typically minimally invasive, the implant procedure is still surgery, and your body needs time to heal itself. Refrain from exercise or sustained activity for at least three days, but optimally for the first week or so.
- Do not touch the site of the implant(s), and don’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. Disturbing the clotting around the surgical site can cause pain, bleeding, dry socket, and possible failure of the implants.
- A cold compress applied on your cheek near the site(s) can also help reduce swelling and pain. After the first 24 hours, you can start alternating the cold compress with a warm one to reduce swelling and speed healing.
- Take your medications as directed! Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed medication can help reduce swelling and speed up healing. In the first few days, it can be helpful to follow the exact timing directions—rather than waiting until you feel pain or discomfort—so that you’re not waiting for the painkillers to take effect.
- You’ll need to eat very soft food, such as broth, yogurt, or mashed potatoes, for the first few days to avoid disturbing the implant site(s)—and because your mouth will be very tender! After about a week, you can start graduating to firmer foods but will need to avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard food until the implants are healed.
Your healing time may vary based on how many implants were placed, if you had bone grafts, and your overall oral health and hygiene. (We recommend quitting smoking weeks ahead if you’re getting dental implants as it increases the chance of the implant being rejected)
How to Know When You’re Healed
Most people are initially healed and back to normal activity and eating after about two weeks post-op. Some signs of healing to look for include:
- Decreased or non-existent pain, swelling, and discomfort
- No signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or increased swelling
- Your implant is stable and doesn’t wiggle around while eating
It’s worth noting that internal healing at the implant site can continue for up to 8 months post-surgery, so be patient and follow all of your dentist's instructions carefully.
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