Facts to Consider During Your Dental Implant Recovery

You’ve decided to make the life-changing decision of getting dental implants, a choice that will enable you to live your life to the fullest, eating, smiling, and laughing with abandon.

You’ve done the research, and you’ve learned that in the long run, dental implants are, hands down, the best teeth replacement option available. Durable and permanent, they are the most natural method of replacing missing teeth in both appearance and function.

But you’re wondering about the short term. You’re making your summer and fall plans and wondering when to schedule the procedure and how long the recovery takes.

What should you expect when it comes to the recovery process? Read on to learn about the most important facts concerning dental implant recovery.

Implant surgery is the first step in the process.

Remember that implant refers to the screw your oral surgeon at Warren Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center places in your jaw that acts as a root for your new artificial tooth. Before your general dentist can attach the final crown restoration to the implant, the implant will need to settle into the jaw. As this happens, the bone grows around and fuses with the titanium post. This normally takes three months in the lower jaw and four months in the upper jaw. Your dentist can place temporary crowns to get you through the recovery period if your implant is near the front of your mouth. There are some cases in which implants are placed by our surgeons and a general dentist will fixate teeth to the implants that same day in our office, but these are only special cases that are carefully selected.

More implants mean longer recovery.

Just as every patient is unique, so are the recovery experiences. If you need a bone graft to build up a jawbone that has begun to break down, that may add four months or more to the overall process. Normally, if we place one to three implants, patients will be back to their normal routine in a day or two. However, if we place several implants and/or a full arch of implants, that will require more time to heal, possibly necessitating three or more days of rest. Dental implant surgery is slightly invasive, so don’t rush it. Schedule yourself plenty of time to heal. You won’t be sorry! We have video and written post-operative instructions on our website for your reference. Our staff will gladly review all post-operative instructions, including medications, with you after your visit at the Warren Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.

Minimal discomfort is normal.

As is the case with most oral surgeries, some pain, swelling, and bruising after dental implant placement is common. You may even experience a small bit of bleeding. This is all part of the healing process and nothing to be alarmed about. These symptoms are perfectly manageable with the appropriate post-operative care and medications we will prescribe, but make sure to call us immediately if your symptoms worsen. Our goal at Warren Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center is to reduce the usage and hopefully eliminate narcotics for our patients.

Are you ready for a dental implant consultation?