The surgical procedure to place dental implants is similar to all others in that you need some time to recover from the operation. Implants require incisions, so the soft tissues will need to heal to seal up the wounds. In addition, the hard tissues of the jaw bone will also heal slowly, fusing the metal rod implant rod in place. Some pain and discomfort are expected after a procedure like this, at least for a couple of weeks, and complete recovery will take even longer. Fortunately, there are things you can do to control this and help your healing progress more quickly.
The time to recover from the procedure can vary depending on the health of the jawbone, the number of implants you are getting, and whether you had to have any teeth extracted first. Note that recovering from dental implants involves more than just healing the gums and managing the pain. Before the implant can support a tooth prosthesis, it has to go through a process of osseointegration in which it becomes permanently bonded to the jawbone.
Healthy habits can speed up the recovery process, but harmful ones can inhibit healing. Do not smoke and limit alcohol use. In fact, some dental experts may recommend avoiding alcohol consumption altogether until the soft tissues are fully healed. In addition, intense or rigorous exercise is not recommended for the first few days after surgery. This can increase blood flow at the incision site and lead to excess bleeding.
Osseointegration is a process that takes several months. Fortunately, recovery from postsurgical discomfort is much faster, typically resolving completely within the first week or two. Here are some things you can do to improve symptoms during this initial period.
Take 8 ounces of warm water, add one teaspoon of salt and stir until the salt dissolves. Swish the salt water gently around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit. This can be performed up to four times a day, but your dentist may make a more specific recommendation. Warm salt water is soothing to your surgical wounds and also helps to kill bacteria that could cause a postsurgical infection.
It is normal for you to experience facial swelling after the implantation procedure, but it can be uncomfortable. Using an ice pack on your face helps to reduce the swelling by causing blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow. It also helps to numb the pain. Be careful to wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying and do not leave it on too long, or you could damage the skin. The ice pack can stay on for 20 minutes, then stay off for 20 minutes, alternating in a cycle as needed.
Dehydration can make you sick, but proper hydration also has a role to play in the recovery process. It increases your energy and flushes out toxins that are counterproductive to healing. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These can act as diuretics and leach fluids from your body.
Maintaining proper nutrition after surgery is necessary for your recovery, but you need to give your jaw a rest to promote healing. For the first few days, eat only soft foods that require little or no chewing, gradually progressing to harder foods according to your dentist's instructions. Do not drink through a straw or you could disturb the blood clot that is protecting your surgical site as you heal.
Pain, swelling, and bleeding are all normal side effects of dental implant surgery. However, if any of these symptoms do not improve or start to worsen over the next few days, call your dentist right away. These issues could also be a sign of an infection. While they are not very common with this type of procedure, infections can be dangerous and may even lead to implant failure without the right treatment.
Unless there are complications, which are rare, postsurgical discomfort from dental implants should resolve within the first two weeks following the procedure. However, the osseointegration portion of recovery takes several months. It is important to follow your dentist's recommendations for at-home care as the weeks and months pass until the surgical site has mended completely.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Turlock, CA.
A missing tooth can cause issues with your self-esteem and the functionality of your bite. Among the available restoration options, an increasingly popular choice is an implant crown. Dental implants are not an option for everyone, and they do not work in every situation. For many people, however, they are the recommended solution to a…
One of the reasons why dental implants are a popular option for tooth restoration is that they are durable. With the proper care, they can last a lifetime. Maintaining your implants is not much different than caring for natural teeth, but you have to be diligent about dental hygiene to avoid problems that could cause…
Deciding to get dental implants can be nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. Knowing as much as you can about the procedure can help clear up any apprehension. These restorations are durable and lasting. Understanding what to do while talking and chewing will be helpful. If you want to learn some pointers about speaking…
If someone is missing teeth, one of the options for replacing them is dental implants. According to the CDC, one in five adults over 65 have severe tooth loss. Tooth loss may occur due to untreated cavities, gingivitis, and oral trauma. There are numerous benefits to getting implants, although it is not necessarily an option…
A strong and stable dental restoration can replace your missing tooth. Many people suffer from tooth loss. Using removable dentures is a way to fill the dental space. This can prevent many dental issues from developing. Here are the dental restoration options available for your missing tooth.The dentist will assess the patient’s mouth and see…
Aftercare and long-term care are vital for maintaining the results if you have recently undergone a dental restoration procedure. Maintaining the results does not have to be difficult; however, you must remain dedicated to caring for your new smile. Following the simple tips below will extend the life of your new dental work.No matter the…