Healing After Dental Implants: What To Expect

Healing After Dental Implants: What To Expect

Dental implants are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth. The procedure can effectively restore both the look and function of your smile.

If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you probably have questions about the procedure, especially when it comes to the 6 month healing period.

Check out this short blog post to discover everything you need to know about dental implant surgery and how to care for your new implant!

What Should I Know Before Treatment?

Dental implants are not for everyone. Though it’s a popular procedure for missing teeth, your dentist will first assess your current oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants, or if you need another restorative procedure.

In some cases, you may need additional treatments before you can get the implants, such as:

• Bone grafts
• Sinus lifts
• Extractions
• Gum disease treatment, etc.

Will I Need to Take Time off Work? 

You should take 1-3 days off work, since it’s recommended to head home after the procedure, rest, and avoid any strenuous activity. However, symptoms like swelling and pain should go down in the first few days, which means you’ll get back to normal in no time.

Do I Need Someone to Accompany Me?

If you require sedation such as oral consciousness or IV sedation, then you will need to bring a loved one with you as you can feel a bit lightheaded after. Anesthesia is when you go completely under for surgery, this will impair mental functions for a while afterward and you should definitely have someone with you.

Your dentist will provide all this information before your surgery, to give you enough time to make plans.

How do I Care for a Dental Implant?

Right after the surgery, you can expect a few symptoms:

• Pain
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Mild bleeding

These are all normal and will go down as time progresses. You can take OTC pain medication and apply cold compresses to your cheek to manage pain and swelling.

Other than this, there are some minor changes you’ll have to make in the first few days after your surgery to ensure you allow your implant to heal properly:

• Stay on top of your oral hygiene
• Don’t brush directly over the implant site
• Chew on the other side of the mouth
• Avoid hard foods in the first days after your procedure
• Avoid sugary drinks
• Rinse the mouth gently after you eat to remove food particles and bacteria, etc.

Dealing with Missing Teeth? Dentazure Can Help!

If you have missing teeth and are wondering if dental implants are right for you, Dr. Rima Kanbaragha can help you find out.

Book an appointment at Dentazure online!

Have more questions about our services or dental implants? Give us a call at (703) 875-2200 for a short chat.