Some people who choose dental implants are thrilled to eat their favourite foods again and still have a beautiful smile. It is also natural to be concerned about the dental implant healing stages after surgery. The healing process following dental implant treatment is complex and varies from patient to patient.
Dental Implant Healing Stages
For dental implants to function correctly, the recovery period is crucial. During this period, your dental implants must properly fuse to the jawbone. Your dentist can give you a reasonable estimate of the appropriate dental implant healing stages, but in general, they are as follows:
-
Initial consultation for dental implant surgery
A dentist evaluates your dental health and jawbone density before recommending whether you undergo dental implant surgery. If your jawbone is not dense enough for dental implants, you will need bone grafting surgery. Recovering from bone grafting surgery can take between three and six months before you can receive dental implants.
Your dentist schedules you for regular check-ups until they determine your jawbone is strong enough for dental implants.
-
During your dental implant surgery
No Gaps Dental follows the Dental Board of Australia Guidelines on Infection Control as you undergo dental implant treatment, including hand sanitisers. We focus on hand hygiene safety in all dental procedures and consultations. We practice good hygiene at all our dental locations by washing our hands after procedures and interacting with patients and using hand sanitisers.
There are also alcohol-based hand sanitisers available for patients and staff to stay safe, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and help keep dental offices clean. We also disinfect our treatment rooms and dental instruments before and after each patient visit.
-
Initial 24 hours
During the first 24 hours after dental implant treatment, pay extra attention to your dental implants and how your mouth feels. You may need more time to heal if you have multiple dental implants since you have several surgical sites. Tenderness and discomfort may occur around the sites of your dental implants and in the jaw, gums, and teeth. Your dentist will give you instructions on caring for your mouth following the surgery.
When cleaning your teeth and abutments, your dentist may advise you to use a soft toothbrush. However, be cautious when cleaning near the implant site. They may also recommend washing your mouth with a warm salt water rinse to help remove debris, reduce bacteria and help you heal faster.
They may prescribe you a medication to ease discomfort right after your procedure. Finish your antibiotics if they have been prescribed. Ice packs and cold compresses can help reduce soreness immediately following the surgery. Rest and limit physical activity after surgery to prevent discomfort and bleeding.
-
Two to three days after surgery
You may still feel discomfort, slight bleeding, and even swelling in the few days after your surgery. Healing will take time, so you should understand that these symptoms may not go away right away. There may be some bruising because of the dental implant surgery.
To reduce swelling and discomfort, continue to use ice packs or cold compresses. It is also important to return to your normal dental hygiene routine with regular brushing and flossing to protect your oral health during the healing process. Keeping the teeth or gums clean is crucial to prevent bacteria from growing, which can cause an infection. Make an appointment with your dentist if bleeding and discomfort persist after this time.
Eat a soft diet, including foods such as yoghurt and apple puree. Avoid foods like popcorn and seeded fruit since they can get stuck in the implant site and lead to infection. To prevent bleeding and irritation at the sites of your dental implants, avoid eating hot and spicy foods. It is also advisable to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while recovering.
-
Three to six months post-dental implant surgery
During the healing period, the dental implants fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
It usually takes three to six months, but sometimes longer for the osseointegration process to complete. Your dentist will need to check the healing process regularly before fitting permanent replacement teeth.
You can go back to your lifestyle and eat foods that require minimal chewing but remember to follow your dentist’s dietary recommendations. You should drink with a spoon instead of a straw since the suction from a straw can irritate the areas around your dental implants.
-
After your dental implants heal
You will need to return to the dentist for abutment placement, which involves opening up your gums to expose the titanium post and attaching an abutment that connects the artificial tooth to it.
After the procedure, take care of them like your natural teeth. Follow your usual oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
The success of your dental implant treatment depends on maintaining good dental hygiene. Keeping your teeth clean can prevent bacteria from building up on them and causing inflammation. Continuing to let the inflammation fester can cause bone loss around the implant, resulting in peri-implantitis. Eventually, the implant loses its anchorage in the jawbone and falls out.
Learn More About the Dental Implant Healing Stages With No Gaps Dental
Being aware of the dental implant healing stages can help you stay safe during your recovery. Discussing any side effects of getting dental implants with your dentist can also aid you in your recovery.
No Gaps Dental can give you more information about dental implants and how the recovery process works. We can help you keep your teeth healthy and explain what to expect throughout any procedure. Book your appointment at one of our 15 locations today or call us on (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
References
Dental Board of Australia Guidelines on Infection Control
https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Infection-Control
Healthline – Is It Common to Experience Pain After Getting Dental Implants?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-pain
Health Direct – Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
Management of peri-implantitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612185/