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Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically attached to the jawbone to act as an anchor for a permanent artificial tooth. Dental implants are usually a recommended option for anyone missing one or more teeth.
There is no set-in-stone recovery time for all implant patients since each patient will have a unique oral condition that affects the surgery and their recovery. However, we can look at general timelines.
It typically takes 5 to 7 days for all the symptoms to subside after dental implant surgery, and anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the gums to fully heal before the artificial tooth can be placed.
The recovery period for this oral surgery procedure is typically brief, but it can differ based on how well it went, how well you took care of yourself after, and how your body responded to the implant.
What To Expect After Surgery
Some symptoms you may experience on the first day include persistent bleeding, swelling and pain. But don't fret! These are all expected signs that your body is healing itself.
To help make your recovery faster and minimize pain during healing, be careful not to disturb the surgical areas while it's healing, and follow your dentist's instructions for post-surgery care.
Your body will continue to recover from surgery on the second and third days. Possible side effects include brief bruising, a little bruising, mild discomfort, and possible minor swelling. However, with medication and post-operative care, this is typically well-managed. Contact your dentist if swelling, discomfort, or other problems get worse in the days following your procedure.
After about 7 to 10 days, most patients can return to a normal diet. In some cases, patients may be advised to stick to a soft diet for up to 6 weeks following the procedure.
Speeding up the Healing Process
Smoking, a poor diet, drinking too much alcohol, and neglecting your dental hygiene can all slow down or impede the healing process and recovery time for dental implants (such as regular brushing). In order to prevent dislodging the blood clot and triggering bleeding, we also advise dental implant patients to refrain from strenuous activities in the days right after surgery. Use additional pillows to raise your head when it's time to go to bed.
Other factors that could impact recovery time include the number of teeth that needed to be extracted and implanted; whether the bone is healthy enough for the implants to bond to; if the procedure required bone grafting; and individual differences in healing time.
Maintaining oral hygiene and home care is essential to recovery and helps to ensure that no plaque or infection builds up around the gums. After 24 hours, you can also begin to gently rinse with salt water, apply ice as needed, and be sure to rest as much as possible.
Adding a Tooth Replacement
Once the initial healing has taken place, the implants will continue to naturally bond with the bone.
A tooth replacement may be added right away in some circumstances. More frequently, between 2 and 6 months after the implant has been put in and the gums have fully healed, a tooth replacement, such as a crown or bridge, will be added.