Tooth loss is a common dental issue that many people have struggled with. But the good news is that through modern dental procedures, such as dental implant surgery, people who have lost a tooth due to one reason or another will now be able to speak, chew, and eat as comfortably as they did with their natural teeth.
If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant, you might be wondering what to expect after the procedure. Although each patient is unique and no two situations are alike, we’d like to give you a brief overview of the dental implant recovery process and aftercare.
Dental Implant Surgery: What To Expect After
Osseointegration is the medical term used to refer to the fusing process that takes place after dental implant surgery. It’s basically the growth of the bone “fusing” with the implant surface.
Osseointegration doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it will take between 3 and 6 months before the implant can become a stable platform to anchor your dental restoration.
The recovery process after dental implant surgery can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of implant procedure that was performed. However, these are what people normally experience after surgery:
Right After Surgery
After the implant surgery, your dental professional will give you instructions on how to care for the implant site and manage any pain or discomfort. This may include taking pain medication as prescribed, avoiding certain foods and activities, and keeping the implant site clean.
The First Few Hours
You won’t feel much in the first few hours after dental implant surgery. The medication used on you will probably leave your mouth feeling numb for a couple or so hours more. And if you opted to have a dental sedation procedure done, the sedative effects may last even longer.
After the effects do wear off, some pain is to be expected. OTC painkillers will usually do the trick.
The First 24 Hours
Some bleeding or redness may be present in your saliva, and that’s normal within the first 24 hours. Keeping physical activities to a minimum can prevent bleeding and throbbing in the surgical site. Excessive bleeding is not normal, though, and you should call your dental professional right away if this occurs.
The First Few Days
During the first few days after the surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising in the implant area. This is normal and should resolve on its own within a few days. To help reduce swelling, you can apply ice packs to the implant site for the first 24 to 48 hours, and then switch to warm compresses.
Hot and spicy foods should be avoided during this time because these can irritate the surgical site or trigger bleeding. Soft foods that require little chewing are recommended. And don’t forget about nutrition! Don’t pick just any soft meal, they must be nutritious too. Healthy foods will help you recover faster.
You may also be asked to use warm salt water rinses (only if there is no bleeding) after meals. You can start brushing your teeth and the surgical site too the very next day but remember to do it gently.
After A Week
After the first few days, you may need to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment. During your appointment, the dentist will check the implant site to ensure that it is healing properly. If the implant is healing well, your dentist will schedule the next step in the implant process.
Although the recovery process takes a long time, it only takes a few days to about a week before most patients go back to feeling normal again. You may be able to return to your regular diet during this time, but it’s best to clear this up with your dentist. However, avoid eating hard foods like popcorn, seeds, nuts, and other crunchy stuff for at least several weeks more.
Dental Implant Surgery Is A Permanent Solution To Tooth Loss
Dental implants are built to last. They are designed for longevity — lasting between 20 to 30 years as long as you follow proper dental hygiene habits — and the results are priceless.
Don’t let tooth loss hold you back. Implants can give you natural-looking teeth that feel as comfortable as your own. Call us at 541-708-6288 to schedule a visit.
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