Dental Implant Recovery Facts – What You Need to Know
Dental implants are small metal posts that are surgically placed into your mouth to replace the roots of your missing teeth. Then, they can be restored with artificial teeth that replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.
They last a very long time, help keep your mouth healthy, and look and feel natural. But unlike alternative treatments, they do require surgery and a relatively long recovery time. In this blog from the office of Dr. David Evans, we’ll take a look at the basics of the process, and a few dental recovery facts you should know before you undergo treatment.
Why Is Dental Implant Surgery Done?
Dental implant surgery is done to replace missing teeth. Dental implants last longer and have a variety of other benefits compared to alternatives like dental bridges and dentures, so they’re often the best choice for restoring your smile.
However, the process does require you to have a healthy mouth and jaw. Dr. Evans will need to perform a comprehensive oral exam to determine if it’s right for you.
Understanding the Procedure
The procedure itself is quite simple to understand. You’ll come to our office, then Dr. Evans will clean and numb your mouth. He will use special dental tools to create an opening in the jaw and gum tissue, place each implant, then suture the area shut.
After this, your mouth needs to heal before your new teeth can be built and attached to the implant. Over the following weeks and months, you’ll come in for a few follow-ups at our office in Boulder, as directed by Dr. Evans.
Dental Implant Recovery Facts
Got questions about how dental implant recovery works? Here are a few facts to know before the procedure.
- Immediately after surgery – You’ll have a gauze pack placed near the surgical site. Bite down on it for 30-45 minutes, and change it out until the bleeding stops, which usually takes a few hours. Intermittent bleeding may occur for another day or two after your surgery.
- Activities after surgery – You should avoid exercise for at least 3-4 days. We recommend you take a day or two off of work, if possible. Rest and relax, and lie down with your head elevated above your feet. Avoid standing up suddenly, as this can make you feel lightheaded and aggravate oral bleeding.
- Initial recovery – It takes about 5-7 days to recover from your initial surgery, depending on your jaw bone health, how many implants you get, and a few other factors.
- Dental implant recovery diet – You should eat mostly soft foods for a least a week, such as bananas, mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the implant, if possible.
- Long-term recovery – Your implant will bond with your jaw bone over a period of 3-6 months to become a permanent part of your mouth. This is called “osseointegration.” Once this process is done, your false teeth can be attached to the implant to restore your smile.
Got More Questions About Dental Implants? We’re Always Here to Help
Interested in dental implants in Boulder, CO? Dr. David Evans is here to help. At our office, Dr. Evans specializes in dental implants and can give you all the information you need for a successful procedure and recovery.
