What To Expect During the Healing Period for Dental Implants

Patients looking for a permanent tooth replacement can benefit from dental implants. Implants create a foundation for permanent tooth replacements that look and feel natural. To achieve this, a general dentist will surgically insert them where natural tooth roots are found, right in the jawbone. Taking the healing period seriously helps the jawbone recover faster, and the implants work as intended for a lifetime.

Healing from dental implant surgery

A general dentist must perform oral surgery to place dental implants into the jaw. Implants look like small metal posts, as they are designed to replace old tooth roots. Therefore, healing from dental implant surgery involves giving the surgical incisions time to heal and the jawbone time to fuse with the implant post. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can take several months.

Patients can make some preparations ahead of time to expedite their healing period. To start, here is what to expect during this time:

Time off to heal

The most important thing to know is that the patient must take some time off to heal in the days following dental implant surgery. This includes time off work and time away from social activities and household responsibilities. After all, the body heals during rest. Overworking oneself will only prolong healing and increase the risk of complications. The general rule of thumb is to take off the first three days after surgery to rest.

Several factors determine how long a patient will need to rest after dental implant surgery. The first is the number of teeth needing replacement and how many implants are necessary for the job. For instance, the general dentist can replace a full arch of teeth with the help of four to six strategically placed implants. Still, the mouth will likely take longer to heal with multiple implants in comparison to just one for a single tooth replacement. Other factors influencing healing include age, preexisting conditions, and poor blood circulation.

Aftercare instructions to follow

To promote proper healing, patients must follow the general dentist's aftercare guidelines following dental implant surgery. This will typically involve not brushing the surgical site at first. Instead, rinse it with a prescription or saline solution. The dentist may recommend pain medication to ease any initial discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Patients are strongly advised to take these medications only as directed.

A temporary liquid and soft food diet

Following dental implant surgery, diet changes are necessary. Patients will start with a liquid diet before gradually adding soft foods, such as mashed potatoes and yogurt. Most patients can make this transition approximately two weeks into their healing period. However, patients should avoid heavily seasoned foods that are too hot or cold so they do not disrupt the healing process.