Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth. They essentially are small titanium posts implanted into your jawbone and then topped with a crown, fixed bridge, partial denture, or full denture. Dental implants require healing time, just like any other type of surgery. It takes several months for your bones to heal, and incisive wounds can recover in as little as two weeks. If you're considering getting dental implants yourself, read on to learn more about dental implant procedures and recovery.
1. Would you need any medication before the surgery?
Your dentist will prescribe you an antibiotic to take at least one hour before the procedure. Follow the dentist's recommendations to avoid complications throughout the surgical process. If you have an allergy, inform your dentist so that he can prescribe the right medication.
2. How long would postoperative pain last?
The discomfort from an implant procedure will usually peak 3 to 5 days after the treatment, based on the type of implant you receive. Remember that the soreness will go away gradually, and you should be feeling a bit better by the end of the first week. If your discomfort persists after two weeks, schedule a visit with your dentist. You should be informed that if you undergo a more complex implant procedure, the discomfort may last longer.
3. How long is the recovery process?
As was previously mentioned, the length of time it takes for you to recover from a dental implant procedure depends on the sort of surgery you have and how many teeth you have removed and/or implanted. The initial healing process might take anywhere between 7 and 12 days, depending on the condition of your jaw and the size of your implants. However, the process of the implant integrating with your jawbone may take as long as 3 to 6 months.
4. What can you eat after implant surgery?
After your dental implant surgery, you will need to be careful about what you eat. It's critical that you avoid disturbing the blood clots in your mouth since they are healing your jaw and gums. Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and drinking through a straw should be avoided since they might dislodge blood clots. For the first several days, eating and chewing will be quite challenging due to the risk of irritating the surgical site. You can, however, eat mushy, soft foods. Certain foods you can eat following the placement of your dental implants include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Healthy juices
- Pureed meats
- Apple sauce
- Cooked fish
- Sauteed kale or spinach
- Oatmeal
5. How to care for yourself after the procedure?
Taking proper care of oneself, like with any other surgical procedure, will facilitate a faster recovery. After your dental implant, you should do the following:
- Rest. After your implant has been placed, it's critical to avoid any strenuous physical activity. Avoid physically demanding tasks that entail bending or lifting since these actions might dislodge blood clots in your mouth and cause bleeding. You might need more pillows to keep your head up while you sleep.
- Apply ice. It's normal to experience swelling in the face and bruising after surgery. Apply ice to the area of your cheeks that is most swollen.
- Follow-Up. Follow up with your dentist to make sure you're healing properly and that no problems are developing.
The bottom line
Dental implant placement is serious surgery. You can ensure a speedy recovery by taking care of yourself and adhering to the aforementioned recommendations. Make sure to ask your dental specialist for detailed instructions relevant to your specific procedure.
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