If you have a missing tooth, you may be considering dental implants. Perhaps you may want to know how your life will be immediately after the surgery and beyond. While scenarios differ from one patient to another since this is a customized procedure, there are common concerns that most patients have. Generally, recovery from dental implants requires sheer commitment and patience for the best results. Learn what to expect after a dental implant and ensure that your recovery process happens in the best way possible by calling Lovett Dental Pearland at 281-416-5844.
How Long Does Recovery from Dental Implant Take?
Your rate of recovery depends entirely on your unique oral and dental conditions. However, the time it takes to heal may depend on factors such as:
- The number of teeth implanted
- Whether there was an additional procedure such as bone grafting
- Your bone structure
- Your health condition and the rate at which your body heals
- Habits such as smoking tobacco
- Your ability to follow the instructions on the treatment plan
Generally, expect the first two days after the surgery to be painful. In these first two days, you may also experience bleeding and swelling. Past that, the swelling will start to disappear, and you will start feeling a bit at ease. All the inflammation and pain will disappear in approximately one week, after which your teeth will not be at risk of infection.
Typically, your jaw will take 6-9 months to heal completely. To avoid any impediment to your recovery from dental implants, avoid crunchy or tough foods during this period.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from Dental Implant?
It is entirely normal to bleed on the particular sites where dental implants are located, and the bleeding may last up to 3 days after the oral surgery. Avoid spitting or excessive rinsing of the mouth as this increases bleeding. Therefore, keep the surgical gauze that your Pearland dentist placed until the bleeding stops. Expect some nose bleeding, particularly if the dental implants are in the upper jaw. For this reason, blowing your nose may aggravate nose bleeding, so avoid blowing your nose when you feel the urge to do so.
As part of the natural healing process, swelling may occur in your mouth and sometimes even in other parts of the body. Swelling is the body’s reaction in response to an injury. You can reduce swelling by applying ice on the swollen part for 30 minutes daily until the swelling stops.
What Can I Eat for Speedy Recovery?
For two hours after your oral surgery, you can remove the surgical gauze (if bleeding has stopped) and have something soft to eat. Within the first 24-72 hours after your surgery, avoid hot drinks. Take soft foods initially, and as your healing progresses, you can advance to firmer meals. Make sure to avoid any food that causes pain. Avoid smoking tobacco at all costs for at least a week after receiving your dental implants. Tobacco smoking is detrimental to the healing process and can lead to infection or implant failure.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Recovery from Dental Implant
You may be wondering if brushing your teeth is recommended after oral surgery. It is best to maintain your regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth. If your mouth is too painful in the first few days, resume your routine after the extreme pain has subsided. Also, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to avoid infections.
Get On the Road to Recovery With Lovett Dental Pearland
In addition to dental implants, we offer a wide range of dental services such as:
Fulfill your dreams of wearing a strong, beautiful smile by having specialized dental implant services. Learn more about recovery from dental implants by contacting Lovett Dental Pearland at 281-416-5844 to book an appointment.
