Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are placed in your jawbone and are restored with a crown, bridge or denture on top. Here, we will share some of the information you need to know about the dental implant recovery process.
Recovery Time
Recovery time is typically shorter than most people think. Usually most major symptoms of surgery clear up within the first week, but sometimes recovery can take longer, depending upon how many teeth you had implanted.
You may experience mild bleeding from around the implant site; this is completely normal and should clear up within a few hours after surgery completion. You may also experience a pain associated with swelling and drainage, which should clear up after 2-3 days. Once you have reached the third day, most of the bruising should have dissipated and the pain should subside substantially.
Healing Time
Dental implant recovery time depends on the type of surgery required (grafting, tooth extractions, etc) 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 treatment in 3-6 months!
Dental Implant Recovery Diet
Avoiding both hard and acidic foods is a must when recovering from dental implant surgery, as biting down on a hard substance could very well cause damage to a newly implanted tooth, along with any tissue surrounding it. Acidic foods may also irritate tissue around newly implanted teeth, causing both pain and inflammation. These are best avoided for a while. Focus instead on 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. Have it, and you’ll know what potential it has!
Fish- The essential omega fats will help you recover while adding some flavour to your palette.
Healthy Juices- Take as much liquid as possible.
Self Care For Quick And Easy Recovery
After you’ve had your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to take care of your mouth so that your recovery is as easy and quick as possible.
Rest
Get some rest after your implant placement. 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. Use extra pillows to help elevate the head while sleeping.
Brush Lightly
This is an important aspect in maintaining a good healing process, so when you brush your teeth, make sure that you brush lightly and be very careful around the newly implanted teeth. You may find it helpful to purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles, so any risk of damage to healing tissue is reduced.
Apply Ice
Ice is a wonderful pain reliever, especially if you find yourself experiencing any swelling. This helps to reduce inflammation, as well as assist in blocking local nerves from sending pain signals. After a few days, the swelling should subside. However, infections may arise. If you discover pus or develop a fever, notify your dentist right away.
Rinse With Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water a few times each day can help pain, but the main goal with this is to reduce any risk of infection or swelling due to a build-up of fluid. This will also assist in cleaning areas inside of the mouth that may be painful or difficult to clean with a brush during healing time.
We’ve been providing professional, high-quality dental services in Clacton on sea for over 35 years! For patients who are missing teeth, Valley Dental Practice 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. Contact Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322 to book a consultation and learn more about our dental implants.
