What Is The Recovery Process After Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular types of procedures designed to replace missing teeth. Patients can effectively get back their full smile in a discreet and fully functional way.

If you’ve been reading about dental implants, then you likely discovered about the 6-month recovery period that lies ahead. But, it doesn’t mean the dental implant will cause discomfort or pain throughout all these six months.

Keep reading this short article to fully understand dental implant surgery and its recovery process.

Why Does It Take Such a Long Time to Recover After a Dental Implant?

Let’s first consider how dental implants work. The prosthetic is made up of 3 different components:

• The titanium implant post, which is placed directly in the jawbone
• The abutment that connects the root to the crown
• The restoration, often a dental crown, which is the visible component of the implant

Dental implant surgery involves making a small incision into the gum and inserting the metal root. Once this happens, your body will begin the healing process.

After the surgery, it’s perfectly normal to experience the following symptoms:

• Mild pain and discomfort
• Swelling
• Traces of blood along the implant site, etc.

However, these symptoms generally diminish in the first few days, and you’ll feel completely fine just a week after your surgery.

However, while your implant site may look healed as the gums close, the healing process is still taking place beneath the surface. Dental implants need to go through a process called “osseointegration,” which essentially means the jaw bone needs to heal and fuse to the metal root. This is why recovery following implant surgery lasts six weeks, possibly even more.

If the implant is not fully healed, then the root is not stable enough to withstand the abutment and the dental crown.

What Can You Expect During Implant Surgery Recovery?

• Take a Few Days off

You should take it easy and avoid physically strenuous activities in the first 1-2 days post-surgery.

• Eat Soft Foods

Avoid foods that require lots of chewing, and eat on the other side of your mouth for the first few days, at least until the surgical site closes.

• Monitor Your Symptoms

Some mild bleeding, pain, and swelling are to be expected in the first few days after your surgery. But, if your symptoms persist or seem to be getting worse, reach out to your dentist right away.

• Stay on Top of Your Oral Health

It’s critical to maintain good oral hygiene when healing after a dental implant. While you shouldn't brush the implant site right away, use saline water or gentle mouthwash to cleanse the mouth after you eat.

Getting Dental Implants

Wondering if dental implants are for you? We can help you find out.

Book a consultation at Santo Dental Group today or call us at (732) 530-1003 for more information.