Dental implant placement requires a period of recovery. Understanding the expected amount of time that it takes to recover and learning useful tips on how to help your mouth heal faster are certainly helpful when preparing mentally and physically for the dental implant placement and aftercare process.
Dental implants are placed into the jaw through a minor surgical procedure. The patient does not feel anything during the procedure due to anesthesia, but being able to manage the discomfort, prevent infection and ensure that the implant can properly fuse with the jaw are essential. The following is a review of dental implant placement and what to expect during and after the placement procedure.
A dental implant is a metal post that is placed into the jawbone beneath or below a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth). They serve as an anchor or root for a replacement tooth, which is typically a crown for single tooth replacement. They are non-removable (unlike dentures) and last much longer than dentures or fixed bridges on average. They also offer exceptional functionality benefits, allowing the patient to eat how they desire. Patients can also care for their dental implants the same way as they would natural teeth.
Before implant placement, the patient may require a bone graft procedure. This ensures that there is enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. Once the mouth is ready, the implant placement procedure is scheduled. This procedure involves making an incision into the gums, drilling a small hole into the jawbone and placing the dental implant post into the jaw. Once the mouth heals, the abutment and replacement tooth are placed.
The patient does not feel anything during the procedure, but there is typically pain, swelling, minor bleeding and soreness after implant placement. The patient can manage the pain through pain relief medication, eating a soft diet and practicing good oral hygiene. It typically takes between seven and 10 days for the mouth to heal, and the patient can return to normal activity afterward. The implant must go through osseointegration, which refers to the process of the implant fusing together with the jawbone. This takes anywhere from two to six months.
As mentioned, pain relief medication (anti-inflammatory), a soft diet and good oral hygiene can speed up the recovery process. It is also encouraged to avoid activities that may result in a blow to the face and subsequently damage the implant or affected area. Patients should also make a strong effort to make all scheduled follow-up visits without rescheduling.
Our dental team helps patients through the dental implant placement process, ensuring that they are comfortable and have all their questions answered along the way. Call us or send us an email today to get the treatment process started.
Request an appointment here: https://shdentalva.com or call Safe Harbor Dental at (757) 333-0087 for an appointment in our Chesapeake office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Chesapeake, VA.
Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…
If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…
Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…
A family dentist may have suggested getting dental sealants during your last appointment. With tooth decay being the most common oral issue in children between the ages of six and 19, according to the CDC, dental sealants provide extra protection for the teeth to prevent its occurrence and resulting dental problems. This article explains why…
Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…
If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…