If you have missing teeth, then you may be looking into dental implants and trying to decide if this procedure is right for you. When you get an implant, a small post of titanium (in most cases) is placed in the jawbone, replacing the missing tooth from the root. Once this process is done, you will have to wait for about six months for the gums to heal and the implant to be integrated into the bone. Only after this, the dentist can place the abutment and connect the implant to the artificial tooth. Sometimes the first two steps are done at the same time, but that is for the dental surgeon to determine. This is just a short overview of what the dental implant process will look like. Here’s a step-by-step presentation of the healing timeline.
What to Expect After Having Implants Placed?
There are a few things to expect after the implant surgery and a few things you can do to make sure the healing process goes smoothly. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s instructions for each step after the surgery.
First 24 hours:
Eat soft or liquid foods
Do not rinse, spit, or touch the area
Use gauze to control bleeding, for at least 2 hours after the surgery
Use medication for pain right before the anesthesia starts to wear off
Avoid effort, and rest as much as possible
First 2-3 Days
You will feel some discomfort and pain in the area
Do not do any strenuous physical activity
Start introducing some more solid foods, but focus on still eating soft ones mostly
Brush your teeth normally, avoiding the implant area
Take pain medication if needed
First Week
Pain and discomfort start to reduce as the healing progresses
The area might still be swollen or bruised
Start brushing gently with a soft toothbrush
After 5 to 7 days, you can start with more intense physical activity such as working out
By the end of the first week, your dentist will remove the stitches
After 2 weeks
Little to no tenderness in the area
Pain and discomfort are gone
See your dentist if you still feel pain and discomfort as it can be a sign of infection or that it did not heal properly
Eat normally
Normal physical activity
Aftercare tips
Do not eat until the anesthesia wears off
Avoid foods that are too hot or too cold
Use ice packs and painkillers for swelling
Don’t brush your teeth right away
Use salt mouthwash
If bleeding persists, apply pressure with care by using a gauze
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, follow the treatment plan
Proper oral hygiene can speed up the healing process
It takes from 6 to 9 months for the implant to fully integrate, but the initial part of the healing takes around 1 or 2 weeks. If you’re interested in more information about dental implants or if you have any questions, Elevate Smile Design is here to assist you. We invite you to be a part of our community and we are happy to be your dental family. Schedule your visit, or connect with us through our social media.
