Recovery from dental implant surgery is generally easier than people expect, but it's still important to understand what to expect and how to care for your mouth after the procedure. The implant recovery process is different for everyone and can depend on different factors such as the oral health of your gums, whether or not a bone graft was also needed, the number of implants inserted, and how well you follow implant aftercare instructions. While your mouth will be sore immediately after the procedure, you should start feeling more like yourself within a few days. However, the entire dental implant healing process can take a few months. This guide covers everything you need to know to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery from dental implant surgery.
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Table Of Contents:
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is essentially a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. They're typically made of titanium - a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone over time. This process is called osseointegration. Osseointegration allows a dental implant to function like a natural tooth root. This solid base can then be used to support replacement teeth. These replacement teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Reasons You Might Need Dental Implants
There are a number of reasons why someone may choose to have dental implants. Some common reasons for implant treatment include:
- One or more missing teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty speaking
- Dentures that slip
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
Your journey to recovering from dental implant surgery starts well before your actual surgery date. There are often several steps and appointments needed in preparation for a dental implant procedure. The first step will be meeting with your dentist to discuss if dental implants are right for you. They will also create an individualized treatment plan with you.
Your dentist will look at your x-rays. If they determine that your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft to support dental implants, they may recommend bone grafting. Dental implants will need strong bone for support.
On the day of your surgery, you'll be given a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. In some instances, you may also be given a sedative to relax you. Some patients require general anesthesia. If you have general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious during the procedure.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will then surgically place the dental implant into your jawbone. Over the course of the next 2-6 months, your jawbone will grow around the implant, holding it firmly in place. This step is called osseointegration. Osseointegration is crucial because it provides a stable foundation for your artificial teeth.
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to the dentist. The dentist will attach abutments to the implant. Your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture can then be placed.
Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery: A Timeline
You’re probably curious about what to expect as you heal from your dental implants recovery. Here is a basic timeline for what you can expect:
Day 1:
- Some bleeding is normal after tooth extractions and placement surgery. Use gauze pads to control bleeding and replace them every hour until the bleeding subsides.
- Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes - be sure to avoid using a straw.
- Rest as much as you can. You will want to hold off on starting a new exercise routine or tackling any home improvement projects.
Day 2-3:
- Swelling will likely peak around day two or three and should then begin to subside. Ice packs can help with this. Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day. You can alternate to a warm compress later in the day if that feels more soothing.
- Discomfort after placement surgery is completely normal. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil should help. You can also use prescription pain relief if directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- You can resume brushing your teeth but do this very gently. For a couple of days avoid putting pressure on the wound while brushing. Try gently flossing around the dental implant site, and brush your other teeth normally. Rinse with a warm saltwater solution (8 oz warm water + ½ teaspoon salt) to help keep things clean.
Week 1:
- Swelling should have significantly decreased. By now, you should no longer be bleeding.
- Resume your normal oral hygiene, but continue to be gentle around your implants. Continue rinsing with warm salt water if your dentist has advised you to hold off on mouthwash and brushing near the site.
Week 2:
- You should feel much more like yourself now. You can likely return to work and other normal activities. Light exercise should be fine, as well.
- Most patients will return to the dentist’s office after a week or two. The dentist will remove any stitches and evaluate the healing process to make sure things are going as planned.
Months 2-6:
- Your implants will fully fuse to your jawbone during this period. Most patients report very minimal discomfort during this healing phase. If you experience extreme pain during this time, contact your dentist’s office to rule out infection or other potential complications.
- After a few months of healing, your dentist will assess whether your implant is stable enough to attach your permanent crowns, bridge, or denture. Soon you can start enjoying your brand new and improved smile.
Dental Implant Recovery Tips to Help You Heal
Want to help speed things along on the road to recovery? Here are some things you should avoid during the healing process and what you should do:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|
| Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. | Don't smoke - Studies have shown a significant correlation between tobacco use and dental implant failure. |
| Take any prescribed medications, like antibiotics, as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon. This will help reduce your risk of infection. | Don't drink alcohol for at least the first week after surgery, as it can interfere with healing. Alcohol may even interact negatively with prescribed painkillers. |
| Maintain a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support healing and boost your immune system. Consider supplementing with a multivitamin. This can help fill in the gaps where needed. Be sure to speak with your doctor about which supplements are safe for you to take. You will want to avoid any negative interactions with other medications or underlying health issues you may have. | Don't lift or engage in any type of strenuous activity for the first two weeks. This includes activities like lifting weights, bending your head down, or anything that causes you to exert yourself. Overdoing things increases the risk of bleeding, swelling, and dislodging your sutures. Instead, get plenty of sleep. This will allow your body the energy it needs to focus on recovering. |
| Focus on eating softer foods for one to two weeks after your surgery. Some examples of things to enjoy are: smoothies, mashed avocado, cooked, seedless fruits (like applesauce or mashed bananas), creamy soups, Greek yogurt (choose full-fat options), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, protein shakes, oatmeal, and avocado pudding. | Don't use a straw for at least one week. This can create pressure in your mouth. The pressure can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the implant site. |
| Listen to your body. Take it slow the first week. If anything feels off at all, give your dentist’s office a call to speak to someone on their team about your concerns. | Don't touch the surgical site. Picking at it could introduce bacteria or disrupt the healing process. If you notice your gums feel unusual, reach out to your dental team. |
If you have been considering dental implants to replace missing or failing teeth, you have likely already done research on the process, costs, risks, and, of course, dental implant recovery. With proper care, most patients find their implants heal well and have no problems with their new teeth. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding at any point in your dental implants recovery, do not hesitate to call your dentist’s office for guidance.
FAQs about Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery
How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
While every patient is different, it usually takes between six and nine months for the jawbone to fully heal around the dental implants. You can return to most normal activities after just a few days. Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting. These activities can delay healing.
How long do you have to be off after a dental implant?
You’ll be happy to know most people feel well enough to return to work just one to three days after surgery. That being said, be sure to avoid intense exercise or strenuous activities for a bit longer - about two weeks. Everyone heals differently, so if you don’t feel up to it after a few days of rest, take the extra time you need.
What is the recovery time for dental implant removal?
If a dental implant needs to be removed, recovery is very similar to that of having one placed. If an infection is to blame, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary, along with removing the implant.
Do's and Don’ts after a tooth implant?
Do:
- Stay hydrated: Opt for water or sugar-free beverages, especially during the initial healing stages.
- Prioritize protein-rich foods: Enjoy foods like Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, bone broth, and protein shakes. These nutrient powerhouses support cellular growth, and are an essential part of tissue regeneration - plus, they’re delicious.
- Stick to softer foods: Choose foods that don't require much chewing. You don’t want to risk injuring your surgical sites and setting your healing back.
- Gently rinse your mouth: Rinse your mouth after eating to remove any food particles - try a soothing saline solution. To do this, dissolve ¼ - ½ tsp. of salt in a glass of warm (not hot.) water and swish this around your mouth a few times and then spit it out. Just like after having your wisdom teeth extracted, saltwater is amazing for rinsing post oral surgery.
Don’t:
- Use tobacco: As tempting as it may be to sneak in a smoke or dip into your favorite chewing tobacco, refrain from these habits. You will want to prevent hindering healing or implant failure.
- Consume alcohol: This includes beer, wine, and liquor. Wait until your surgeon or dentist clears you to start drinking again.
- Participate in strenuous exercise: Pace yourself and follow your dentist's guidelines. Typically, after two weeks, it’s fine to gradually return to exercising again. Listen to your body.
- Chew on hard or sticky foods: As satisfying as that big bag of gummy bears sounds, steer clear to avoid any mishaps at your implant site.
Conclusion
It's completely normal to have some questions and possibly some anxieties about dental implant surgery and the recovery. By carefully following the advice and instructions your dentist or oral surgeon gives you, your implants should heal properly, and you can enjoy all the wonderful benefits dental implants have to offer. Contact your dentist's office to find out more about how dental implants can give you back your confident smile.
