The Essential Guide to a Comfortable Dental Implant Recovery Process
The teeth replacement procedure and dental implants recovery time might appear daunting. Hence, we are breaking it down into simpler steps to enable you to gain better clarity and understand that dental implant procedure is not as scary as it sounds.
People might lose their teeth for several reasons like genetics, age, and dental treatment. In 2016, studies estimated that more than two percent of the adult population in the US, above the age of twenty years, have missing teeth. Teeth loss significantly impacts the standard in people’s life. A modern way of treatment for missing teeth is dental implants. Dental Implants can permanently replace missing teeth. Continue to learn more on dental implants recovery process!
Dr. Adatrow’s Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Implant Recovery Procedure By Patients
What is the average recovery time for recovery?
A healthy individual can take six to eight months to recover completely from their dental implant operation. However, this period can differ tremendously if any systemic health diseases. Systemic health conditions may impact wound healing and delay recovery by many months.
What Factors Could Impact the Dental Implant Recovery Process?
People who smoke or have diabetes may find that their healing time is extended. Receiving several implants or requiring bone grafting for poor jaw bone density will often lengthen the healing process.
What Should You Do to Accelerate the Healing Process?
There are many items you can do to aid in the healing process. The most important thing you can do is obey any of the directions given to you by your dentist or oral surgeon. Other items you should do to hasten your healing include:
- Avoiding meals that are crispy or chewy
- Consume only liquids or soft foods, as per your dentist recommendation
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks.
- Take all drugs as directed.
- Take plenty of rest and hydration.
Creamy soups (without chewy pieces), chicken broth/ vegetable broth, and applesauce are excellent options for the dental implant healing period. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, and fruit smoothies, are all delicious options. Ideally, you can consume meals that you can swallow comfortably without chewing.
Your dentist may advise you to take prescriptions for a few days or weeks after the operation. This may involve prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers to help you feel better. Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to reduce the likelihood of infection.
It would be best to take a couple of days off work after the treatment to allow for enough recovery. If you are a single parent or living alone, having someone stay with you for a few days may be beneficial. It would better if someone could monitor your wellbeing periodically.
What Happens During the Healing Process?
A low to moderate amount of pain is normal during healing, as with all surgical procedures. When everyone’s pain threshold differs, it can be difficult to judge how bad something hurts. A good rule of thumb is that pain that gradually improves is expected, whereas pain that steadily worsens should be investigated.
Some people may experience mild bruising on their face, particularly around the area where the implants were placed. This should clear up in a few days. Swelling is also to be expected and will subside after a few days to a week.
Bleeding is standard in the first 24 to 48 hours after the implants. Follow any instructions your dentist gives you about stopping bleeding or identifying abnormalities. Any bleeding that begins after 72 hours and persistent bleeding that does not stop after 24 hours should be reported to your dentist.
Do you have any further concerns about the dental implants recovery procedure? Or would you like to set up an appointment to discuss having implants?
Please contact us right away. Our friendly staff is ready to answer all your questions and arrange a consulting appointment with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 18 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%.