Just like any other type of surgical operation, undergoing dental implant surgery is not an easy experience– it requires a recovery process, which takes time.
Although the recovery time for dental implants surgery is conveniently short, this recovery time varies depending on a number of factors, which include how the oral surgery went, how well the patient takes care of himself/herself after the surgery – oral hygiene, and how the body of the patient reacts to the dental implant. If you are about receiving a dental implant surgery or you have undergone one and needed to know dental implants recovery time, then read on.
What Is The General Dental Implants Recovery Time?
Typically, the general recovery time after dental implant surgery is about 5 to 7 days. This period is enough for all associated symptoms to subside. Though, due to some other factors, some patients may undergo a longer recovery process. Factors responsible for varying dental implant recovery time include:
The Number of Dental Implants the Patient Received
Dental implants recovery process depends on how many dental implants a patient received, whether a single tooth implant, multiple dental implants, or full set mouth dental implants. The number of dental implants received will vary the recovery. Mostly, the more dental implants received by a patient, the more the dental surgery involved, and the longer the recovery process.
Call to schedule an appointment at 346-456-5899
Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
Sinus lift occurs when bone is added to the upper jaw of the patient by his/her molars and premolars. The dentist would have to lift the sinus membrane of the patient upward to fit the additional bone. The healing time from a sinus also varies. Hence, a sinus lift during dental implant can also make the recovery time longer.
Bone Grafting
A patient may undergo bone grafting if his/her jawbone is not strong or thick enough to hold the dental implant. As a result, when the patient chew, it would cause lots of pressure on the jaw bone, hence the bone must as strong as possible. During bone grafting, the dentist extracts bone from any other part of the patient’s body and insert it into the jawbone, sometimes, an artificial bone may be used.
In the case of bone grafting, it may take a few months for the recovery process to take place, thus longer healing time. However, if only little bone grafting is done, the recovery process may not be as long as that.
Osseo-integration
Osseo-integration is the process of integrating dental implants into your jawbone. This process normally takes time to be successfully conducted – this time also varies for each patient, which also adds to the healing time.
However, if all the dental implants procedures go well without any complication during or after the process, the average recovery period should be at most a week.
Dental Implant Surgery Recovery Process
It is important to understand how the recovery process looks like, what can be done to speed up the process, and how you can make the process successful.
Call to schedule an appointment at 346-456-5899
Within 24 Hours after the Dental Implant
During the first hour after the dental implant surgery, it is necessary for the patient to keep a firm but gentle pressure on gauze with a bite. This will help to keep the gauze in place. It is not recommended to change out the gauze within the first hour, except where there is persistent bleeding. And where the patient needs to change the gauze, the new gauze must be set in place for 30 minutes. After then, the gauze should be changed every 30 to 45 minutes.
Within 24 hours after the dental implant, the patient may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Oozing
- Pain
- Persistent bleeding
- Swelling
All these symptoms are expected signs that the healing process is taking place within the patient’s body. Sometimes, these symptoms may persist throughout the recovery period. Just ensure that good oral hygiene is observed. In order to make the recovery process faster with minimal pain, here are some tips to follow:
- 24 hours after the surgery, gently rinse the mouth with salt water about 2 to 3 times daily.
- If necessary, apply ice to the mouth.
- Be careful not to disturb the surgical areas
- Brush your teeth the night of the oral surgery with a soft toothbrush and carry out proper oral hygiene
- Take adequate rest as much as possible
Days after Surgery
By 2 to 3 days after surgery, a natural healing process should continue in the body by itself, however, proper mouth care and oral hygiene would help the recovery process along.
It’s possible to notice bruising or a greenish-yellowish discoloration around the surgical areas, this is normal and should last only for about 2 to 3 days after the surgery, after which moist heat can be applied to the surgical areas to decrease the discoloration.
After undergoing dental implant surgery, if you feel a sharp protrusion on the edge of your tooth/teeth, this is normal and shouldn’t bother you, but if you feel concerned, feel free to call our office. More so, you may experience stiff jaw muscles, a sore throat, and dry lips, all these are normal signs of having gauze in your mouth and should leave after about 2 to 3 days after surgery.
Another thing the patient should consider during dental implant recovery process is his/her diet. To help in speeding up the healing process, the patient may need to temporarily change his/her diet so as to help the mouth heal up properly and quickly. This may not sound too favorable, but it can be a great help. Try as much as possible to avoid direct contact with the dental implants for as long as possible. This means going on mostly soft foods until the surgery areas are fully healed as well as alternating the side of the mouth you’re chewing on.
Some foods that should be eaten after the oral surgery include Rice, Oatmeal, Noodles, Healthy juice or smoothies, Fish, Eggs, Bananas, Baked beans, Avocado, etc.
Some foods that should be avoided include: Acidic foods, such as orange juice, limes, lemon, tomatoes, etc.; Hard foods, such as apples, nuts, and chips; Popcorn; Spicy foods (they may cause a sort of discomfort)
Generally, during dental implants recovery process, endeavor to stick to mushy and soft foods. Avoid spicy, sticky, acidic, and hard foods.
Conclusion
By now, you would have known what to expect after your dental implant surgery, the average recovery time, the possible signs and symptoms, and everything you should do to make the recovery process easier. If you need more dentists’ recommendations, or you have any question relating to dental implant procedures, don’t hesitate to call our office today.
