Dental implants are the closest we can get to natural teeth. They are reliable, resilient, and allow patients to maintain their lifestyle after they have recovered from the procedure. Implants also protect you from the long-term consequences of tooth loss like bone resorption.
At Major Dental Clinic, we have noticed that many patients are intimidated by the procedure and believe that recovery takes a long time. The initial recovery process varies for different implant surgical procedures, which are described below.
01. Implant placement when sufficient bone is present/Implant placement in grafted site: Most patients can treat this appointment as any other dental appointment and are able to continue with their daily routine. Minor pain at the surgical site is usually managed with pain medications.
Patients who receive multiple implants may have mild pain for 5 to 7 days which is managed by pain medications and can continue with their routine.
02. Tooth extraction and socket grafting: This procedure may involve only a bone graft in the socket or a more extensive grafting procedure when bone width/height is compromised. Only bone grafting in the socket heals just like a tooth extraction. Pain is controlled by medication and is usually uneventful. Extensive grafting procedures with bone graft and membranes require 5 to 7 days of post-op recovery time. Patients usually experience some swelling and pain which is managed with pain medications. Most patients return to work the next day. Physical activity like strenuous exercise should be avoided.
03. Tooth extraction and immediate implant placement: Tooth extraction with immediate implant heals similar to extraction and socket grafting procedure.
In some cases, bone grafting may be needed along with implant placement with the use of membranes or gum grafting. These cases heal just like extensive grafting procedures with 5 -7 days of recovery time.
04. Bone grafting procedure before implant placement: When insufficient height and width of the bone requires a bone grafting procedure, the initial recovery takes 5 to 7 days with some swelling, pain, and bruising which is managed with medications. Some patients continue with their routine and some like to rest for a day or two before resuming work.
05. Sinus grafting: A sinus lift adds bone to your upper jaw to provide a strong foundation for implants. Patients may take longer to recover from this procedure. Individual patient response varies and initial recovery time varies from 1 to 2 weeks. Patients are encouraged to continue with their routine except for any strenuous exercises.
After the initial healing, the process of implant healing and bone regeneration continues which has no effect on the patient’s routine. The average time period for implant healing/osseointegration in jaw bone varies from 3 to 6 months. Bone and sinus grafting procedures require 4 to 6 months of healing time as well.
As long as there are no complications or infections, your recovery will happen at a steady pace. You should feel no ill effects after a week of implantation.
What to Expect from the Implant Recovery Process?
We at Major Dental Clinics give post-procedural instructions based on the type of procedure and the individual risk factors. There may be variation in patient experience after the procedures based on individual physiologic responses. However, the following information outlines a normally expected response.
After any surgical procedure, patients may experience mild oozing/bleeding, pain, swelling, and on the first day after the procedure. These are the natural signs of your body’s healing, so there’s no need to be alarmed by them. Some patients may also get some bruising on the skin that turns green and blue as healing progresses and is typically resolved within a week’s time.
Some patients also experience dry lips, stiff jaw muscles, and sore throat for a few days after the procedure. As long as you maintain proper dental hygiene and follow the instructions our dentist provides carefully, there should be no complications. We recommend rinsing your mouth with a full 8-ounce glass of saltwater at least twice a day after the first 24 hours of the procedure. That will help with the healing process and also keep infections at bay. Patients should also follow a proper diet to minimize injury and discomfort after the procedure.
Healing may be delayed in patients with pre-existing systemic conditions like diabetes or compromised immunity and in patients with a history of smoking. The doctor will discuss the risks associated with complications before the procedure.
If you want to know more about dental implants or need to get the procedure done, get in touch with us at Major Dental Clinic. You can schedule an appointment by filling this form.