Damaged or missing teeth can be fixed and replaced with the help of dental implants. Although it can be a long process, the benefits are remarkable. However, there are a lot of doubts and queries that surround dental implants, such as the recovery time, post-treatment care, and, most importantly, what to expect. We have got you covered as we explain all the procedures related to dental implant surgery.
There are a lot of precautions and do’s and don’ts that are crucial when it comes to dental implants. It has its own set of recovery stages and tenures as per the patient’s condition. It should be noted that every surgery or treatment is different, and it all depends on the condition of your jawbone and teeth. Along with that, the number of implants also matters in this case. Cosmetic dentists would inform you about the specific treatment and care that is required in your condition and make you aware of the right procedure specifically for you.
Here’s what to expect from dental implant recovery.
Procedures prior to Dental Implantation
In most cases, dental implantation begins with the removal of the damaged tooth. It takes a few weeks for recovery before commencing the surgery. It is an absolutely safe and common dental procedure. The recovery time entirely depends on the instructions given by your dentist after extraction of the damaged tooth and how carefully you follow them. Otherwise, the adverse results include oral infects and dry socket.
In some cases, procedures like bone regeneration and bone grafting are involved. This happens If the jawbone of the patient is weak and requires strengthening. A strong jawbone is important for implant placement to support chewing and biting with the replacement tooth. This entirely depends on how strong your bones are and how well they can sustain the procedure and heal. Usually, it takes about eight weeks to a few months for a full recovery.
Dental Implantation
After your recovery, the long process of dental implant surgery begins. This begins by keeping you under sedation or anesthesia. A small cut in your gums in order to reach the jawbone. Next, a hole is drilled, and a titanium implant is placed as a base replacement for the tooth roots. Titanium works perfectly as a dental implant because of its property of bonding well with the bone tissue. Titanium is relied on because of its stability and better restoration property in comparison to fixed bridges. There will also be less slippage and noise compared to dentures.
The effect of the sedation remains for a few hours after surgery, so avoid driving or doing an important task right after the treatment.
It could take several months to recover from the surgery. During this recovery stage, the healing bone will merge with the implant; this would lead to the formation and development of the jaw bone.
Finally, after recovery and proper healing, a collar or an abutment is placed on top of the dental implant, which acts as the base for the replacement tooth or dental crown to attach.
What to expect?
- There will be some discomfort after the surgery. You will be prescribed a painkiller to heal and cure your pain. Make sure; you take the painkiller with food, or else you will suffer from nausea and sickness. Don’t forget to ask your dentist about when to stop the prescription painkillers and switch to simpler medications such as ibuprofen or another such over-the-counter remedy.
- Do not get worried about the bruises that you have on your gums, jaw, and your neck. These are just the effects of dental implant surgery and would vanish within three weeks. Also, any kind of swelling or soreness is also normal; use an ice pack or a cold wrap to cure it. However, in case of prolonged pain, contact your dentist.
- You may experience some bleeding in your mouth and around the affected area after your surgery. There is nothing to worry about it as it is common and would vanish on its own.
- Stay away from spicy and crunchy food. Also, do not consume alcohol in your recovery stage.
Although there are a lot of things to be careful about at each step of the procedure, the end result is definitely worth the care and precautions. The success rate of your dental implant is entirely in your hands. Follow the instructions given by your dentist and never miss an appointment.