The Dental Implant Recovery Process

The oral health industry consistently comes up with various ways to help improve individuals' oral health - from root canal therapy to white-colored tooth fillings, the oral health industry intentionally gives back many people their confidence.

Dental implants have also emerged as one of the biggest advancements in the oral health industry in the past 40 years. They are a great option for those self-conscious because of a missing tooth, those uncomfortable with removing a good tooth structure, and those who wear uncomfortable dentures. Dental implants are a notable and efficient way of replacing missing teeth and are perfectly designed to blend in with a person's dentition. This piece sheds light on the dental implant recovery process and all you need to know about it. It also highlights your Shoreline dentist’s excellent dental implant services.

What is a dental implant procedure?

A dental implant procedure (or surgery) is one in which tooth roots are replaced with metal, screw-like posts. The procedure involves replacing a damaged or missing tooth with an artificial one that looks and functions like a real tooth. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) defines dental implants as artificial tooth roots inserted into the jaw to replace missing teeth. The dental implant procedure offers a great alternative to dentures and bridgework that do not fit well.

Dental implants typically comprise titanium and various materials reasonably compatible with the human body. They are surgically placed in the lower or upper jaw, functioning as solid anchors for replacement teeth. While bridgework and dentures take care of the cosmetic aspect of missing teeth, they do not prevent bone loss. On the other hand, permanent implants sustain adequate chewing function and apply suitable natural forces on the jawbone to ensure its healthiness and functionality.

Why is the dental implant procedure performed?

Typically, dental implants are surgically placed in a person's jawbone to serve as roots of missing teeth. The implants do not slip, cause bone damage, or make noise because the titanium they are made from merges with the jawbone. Generally, dental implants come in handy if:

• You are missing one or more teeth
• You do not have any health condition that will affect bone healing
• You have a fully-grown jawbone
• You have healthy oral tissues
• You cannot or will not wear dentures
• You do not smoke tobacco
• You are willing to devote time (mostly months) to the process

Preparing for the Dental Implant Procedure

The planning phase of a dental implant procedure may include a variety of specialists, including an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, a prosthodontist (and occasionally) an ENT specialist.

Usually, dental implants entail at least one surgical procedure; consequently, you must go through a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process. For instance, you are expected to go through:

• A comprehensive dental examination. This may entail having dental X-rays and 3D images taken and having models of your teeth and jaw made.
• Review of your medical history
• Treatment plan

What to Expect from a Dental Implant Procedure

A dental implant procedure is typically an outpatient surgery performed in different stages with some healing time between each stage. The process involves some steps, including:

• Removal of the damaged tooth (teeth)
• Preparation of the jawbone, if needed
• Placement of the dental implant
• Bone growth and healing
• Placement of the abutment
• Placement of the artificial tooth

It is important to note that the entire procedure can take many months, with much of that time devoted to healing and waiting for the development of new bone in the jaw. Certain steps may be combined based on the peculiarity of a situation, the specific procedure, and the materials used. Furthermore, you will experience discomfort whether you undergo the procedure in one or multiple stages. However, these are not unbearable forms of discomfort. For instance, bruising of your skin and gums, swelling of your gums and face, minor bleeding, and pain at the implant point.

The Dental Implant Recovery Process

If you are interested in undergoing the dental implant procedure, you are likely worried about the demands of the procedure and how long it takes to recover. Don’t worry, from the office of the best dentist in Shoreline, you are assured of a smooth recovery process. Although the dental implant procedure is not as demanding as some other dental surgeries, it requires you to protect your mouth as you recover. Let’s consider some important phases in the dental implant recovery process.

0-24 Hours After the Procedure

• Typically, after the procedure, you will unlikely feel any pain and discomfort due to the sedation you will be given.
• When the sedation wears off, some pain and discomfort will set in. However, you will be given a painkiller which will help lessen the pain.
• Placing an ice pack near the cheek where the procedure occurred will also help with the pain.
• Furthermore, it is necessary to take some time out to rest. Dr. Eric Yao recommends taking the day off work because having an extra day to heal is highly beneficial.
• Also, ensure you only eat soft food substances and brush your teeth normally (avoid the extraction site and use an oral rinse).

1-3 Days After the Procedure

• This period is characterized by a peak and eventual fall in symptoms like pain, discomfort, and swelling.
• Also, the implant point will likely stop bleeding after about 2 days.
• The intake of food substances should continue as you want to avoid exerting force on the implant point.
• Avoid brushing the implant site directly to ensure that bleeding stops and the blood clots around the new plant are not damaged.

3-7 Days After the Procedure

• After 3 days, you can start introducing firmer food substances like pasta and rice while still maintaining the intake of soft food substances.
• You should still avoid hard and crunchy food substances at this point.
• You can get back to exercising your jaw now, although you should keep it mild until at least a week after the procedure.
• Note that heavy exertion can still cause the implant point to hurt.
• Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth normally, although brushing the implant point directly should still be avoided for at least one week.

1-2 Weeks After the Procedure

• At this point, you are expected to come back to the dentist’s office for a follow-up. Stitches will be removed if non-dissolving sutures are used. Your healing and recovery process will be examined.
• You will have made significant progress and can brush both sides of your mouth as you wish. You can also eat anything you want, although it is advisable to still chew at the opposite of the implant point.
• After 2 weeks, most patients are typically fully recovered. The implant point may feel mildly tender to touch but should be completely healed.
• The implant will continually heal and merge with the jawbone over the next 3-6 months; however, the initial healing process will be complete.

Contact Your Shoreline Dentist to Learn More about Dental Implants

The office of Dr. Eric Yao is where you get the best dental implants with qualified experts under the best circumstances. So, contact us today for more information!