Recovery from dental implant surgery comes in two phases. The period immediately after surgery is relatively short and usually uneventful. The second phase, osseointegration when the implant and bone fuse, takes longer but it has little impact on your day-to-day life.
Dental implants, in which screw-like posts are placed in your jaw to fuse with the bone, are a significant advance in replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth, providing the most secure base for artificial teeth, bridges, or dentures.
If you are interested in implants, Dr. Clifford Degel is an exceptional cosmetic dentist in Queens who can explain dental implantsand dental implant surgery recovery. He is widely sought after for the placement of dental implants throughout New York and excels at both standard and immediate implant placement.
Recovery From Implant Surgery
Recovery from the implant surgery itself is fairly quick. Many people return to work the next morning or after a day of rest.
What to expect after surgery:
- Bleeding. Bleeding will occur for 24 to 48 hours after surgery and can be controlled by biting firmly on a gauze pack. Sitting upright or in a recliner and avoiding activity will help reduce bleeding.
- Pain. You may have some minor discomfort for a few days. You will be prescribed medications, if needed, but many people use over-the-counter medication while others don’t need anything.
- Diet. You will want to drink liquids and stick to a soft diet for a few days after surgery.
- Activity. For the first day, you should plan on resting. Bending, lifting, or strenuous activity can increase bleeding, swelling, and other problems. You should also plan on avoiding exercise for three to four days after surgery.
- Discoloration. Bruising is a normal post-operative occurrence and can occur two to three days after surgery.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration, the period during which the implant fuses with the bone, can take up to six months, but it has little impact on your daily activities. You should simply continue your normal daily hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing your teeth. One limitation will be avoiding excessive force on your implant, such as grinding and clenching your teeth. This can cause your implant to loosen or fracture. If you suffer from bruxism, you should discuss getting a mouth guard to protect your new implant as well as your teeth.
After Osseointegration
Once the bone has fused with the implant you are ready for the artificial tooth. If an abutment, a connecting piece between the implant and the artificial tooth, was not placed during the implant surgery, you may need an extra procedure to insert it. Otherwise, you are ready for placement of the artificial tooth, bridge, or dentures. They will be custom made to fit comfortably in your mouth and blend in with the surrounding teeth.
More Information
Each person’s recovery is unique. Depending on your circumstances, your dental implant scenario may differ. Some people can take advantage of the new one-day implants while others may need extra procedures, such as bone grafts to strengthen their jaw.
If you would like specific information about how an implant can solve your problems with missing teeth, please call for a personal consultation.
