Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option and are very popular because they act, look and feel like natural teeth. You can eat the foods you love and brush and floss as you normally would because dental implants function like a real tooth.
If this is an option you are interested in, it is important to know what to expect from the surgery and the healing process, and the following guide will highlight the healing stages of this procedure.
Beginning Stages
Before a dental implant procedure, you will first have to sit down for a consultation with your dentist to determine if you are a suitable candidate. The dentist will assess your mouth and jawbone health and determine whether you are eligible for this surgery.
If there is insufficient jawbone health or density, the dentist may prescribe a bone graft or sinus lift, and it can take up to nine months to recover from this process, although most patients will recover in as little as two weeks. If your teeth are severely damaged, they may need to be removed, and you might need to wait up to ten weeks for the site to heal before you can receive a dental implant.
This portion of the process is different for every patient, and a dentist will discuss a plan specific to you and your ability to receive teeth implants.
Implant Surgery
A local anesthetic will be administered to the patient to numb the mouth and ensure there is no feeling. A small incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone, and the dentist will then drill a small hole in the bone and screw the titanium post.
Post Healing
The site will have to heal after the initial surgery, which can take up to two weeks. Following the aftercare instructions properly can help speed up this process. Resting with your head elevated, using saltwater to rinse your mouth and modifying your diet can make a big difference.
Osseointegration must occur before the dentist can move on to the next step, and this is when the implant’s post fuses to your jawbone and creates a stable foundation for abutment and restoration. This can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 9 months to heal, and the timeframe will depend on your immune system and the number of implants you receive.
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is necessary, as it will help keep your mouth clean and reduce the chance of implant rejection or infections. Try your best to brush and floss twice a day, but avoid brushing over the surgical site, as this can cause bleeding and unnecessary irritation.
Abutment
Once the implant fuses, a second minor surgery will take place, during which the abutment will be connected to the implant post. The dentist will close the gum tissue around the implant, and the healing portion for this step can take anywhere from two weeks to a full month.
Some mild pain and swelling are normal during this time, and you can take over-the-counter medicine to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice packs will also help with discomfort.
Restoration Placement
Once the patient is fully healed around the abutment, they can receive the final restoration. The dentist will get impressions of your teeth near the site to ensure the replacement implant matches perfectly with your natural teeth. The prosthesis will be placed on the abutment, and once it is connected to the dental implant rod, you will have a beautiful smile!
What to Expect After Teeth Implants
It can take up to six months to integrate the jawbone and complete healing, and the good news is dental implants have a very high success rate, and most patients will enjoy their new and improved smile.
Eating only soft, nutritious foods will help speed up the recovery process, as will sleeping often and getting lots of rest. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water up to 4 times a day, and you should clean the site of surgery and practice proper oral hygiene daily. Following these steps can help with every stage of the healing process, and you will experience fewer problems or complications.
Conclusion
Do you want to know more about the healing stages of teeth implants? Slipacoff Dental can provide more information; our dentist will help you prepare for surgery. The benefits of dental implants are many, and while the process of the different healing stages seems very long, dental implants will support your overall health, and you will regain the ability to eat the foods you love.
We serve patients all over the Sarnia area and will gladly provide more information regarding dental implants. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!