Dental implants have become popular for their ability to offer a lasting solution for missing teeth. This may be due to their ability to replace one, multiple, or even all teeth, lasting a lifetime. Nonetheless, their healing process can take a while.
As with any surgical process, the healing journey can be uncomfortable and bothersome. So, if you’ve just had dental implants installed, you probably have a lot of questions. How soon can you resume eating normally? When is it safe to return to your regular activities?
What should you expect during the various stages of dental implant healing? These are common inquiries that arise when undergoing a dental implant procedure for the first time.
Fortunately, with proper research and guidance from your dentist, navigating this process can be relatively smooth. This article will give you all the information you need, so that you know what to expect at each juncture of your healing journey.
What’s the Healing Time Frame for Dental Implants?
The duration of healing may span from 3 to 12 months, depending on the treatment type and your body’s response. These are some factors that can affect the duration:
– Whether extractions were necessary.
– The number of implants (single, multiple, or full-mouth).
– Adherence to post-operative guidelines.
– Your age (younger individuals tend to heal faster).
– Your pre-surgery health (health issues or medications can impact healing).
– Implant location (lower jaw often heals quicker due to denser bone).
– Implant material (ceramic or titanium).
Dental Implant Healing Phases: Post-Surgery Care
Ensuring the longevity of your smile involves proper maintenance of dental implants. Regularly cleaning the implants and preventing bacterial build-up is vital to stave off infection and uphold the implant’s durability.
Immediately After Implant Placement
Patients often opt for local anaesthesia due to the surgery’s short duration. However, if you’re seeking anxiety relief, heavier sedation is also available. With local anaesthesia, driving home is usually safe, but heavier sedation may require arranging transportation before the surgery.
The First 24 Hours
You should refrain from spitting and using a straw. Avoid forceful rinsing or spitting, as it can dislodge forming blood clots, resulting in bleeding, and ultimately disrupt the implant and lead to failure. Additionally, smoking raises infection risks.
1. Bleeding
Expect minor bleeding post-surgery, usually stopping within an hour or two. Maintain gentle biting pressure with the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes, replacing as needed until bleeding stops.
2. Swelling
Swelling might occur, ranging from mild to severe. It may peak during the first 24-48 hours and last days. Apply ice throughout the day, each time for 20 minutes to minimize swelling.
3. Diet
After local anaesthesia wears off, start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, soup, etc. Avoid hot and spicy foods that can irritate the surgical site. Return to your regular diet when comfortable, but avoid chewing directly on implant sites.
4. Oral Hygiene
Begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) the day after surgery. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush as usual, carefully near surgical areas. Your dentist might suggest a special mouthwash.
Days Following the Surgery
1. Medication
Your dentist will prescribe pain relief medication, you should follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, scheduled intake of narcotic pain medication (every 4-6 hours) for the first 24 hours is necessary, followed by as-needed use. Keep in mind that narcotics induce drowsiness, so avoid driving, swimming, or alcohol consumption while taking them.
For prescribed antibiotics, continue until the bottle is empty. Don’t stop halfway. If persistent pain, severe nausea, diarrhoea, or difficulties in swallowing pills occur, make sure you contact your dentist.
2. Normal Activities
You should gradually resume daily activities. Some patients may be able to return to work the next day, while those with physically demanding jobs might need a few days off. Ensure adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities, including exercise or sports, for three days or until pain and/or medication intake subsides. Reintroduce exercise and recreational activities gently, gradually returning to your regular routine over several days.
3. Sutures
The sutures used in your procedure are usually dissolvable and will naturally come out within the first week after surgery. This process can occur between 4 to 10 days post-surgery.
4. Bone Graft Material
If bone graft material was used during implant placement, you might notice a gritty sensation in your mouth. This is normal and should resolve within a day or two.
Four to Six Months into Healing
Following the initial surgery and recovery, the dental implant requires time to fully heal and integrate with the jawbone. During this phase, maintain good oral hygiene and gradually resume normal activities. Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist will monitor the healing. This integration phase is critical for preventing implant failure.
Maintaining Your Dental Implants
Follow these tips for lifelong implant care:
– Brush and floss daily, treating implants like natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle circular motions. Floss carefully around each implant base.
– Regular dentist visits (every six months) are crucial. Professional cleanings and check-ups help catch potential issues and clean areas you might have missed.
– Avoid harmful habits. Don’t use implants for opening bottles or chewing hard items like ice or candy; it can lead to damage and implant failure.
– Quit smoking as it can hinder implant healing and increase failure risk. Quitting benefits not only implants but overall health too.
What Happens if Implants Fail?
Should your implants experience failure, promptly consult your dentist. They will evaluate the situation and recommend the appropriate steps.
If an implant becomes loose or dislodged, replacement might be feasible. However, if the implant is damaged or fractured, removal might be necessary. In all, regular dental visits to allow your dentist monitor your implants is essential to detect any complications.
According to Dentakay, dentists remember that dental implants may not be lifelong. Yet, with proper care, they can endure for many years, often lasting a lifetime. Also remember that individual dental implant healing slightly varies from person to person, based on the case and post-surgery care.
At our clinic, we prioritise our patients’ oral health by giving them all the information they need to heal from, and maintain their dental implants. So, if you’re experiencing any issues with your dental implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always delighted to help!
Also read: Why are Porcelain Veneers Becoming a Mainstream Dental Procedure in Australia?
