Dental implant placement requires a period of recovery. Understanding the expected amount of time that it takes to recover and learning useful tips on how to help your mouth heal faster are certainly helpful when preparing mentally and physically for the dental implant placement and aftercare process.
Dental implants are placed into the jaw through a minor surgical procedure. The patient does not feel anything during the procedure due to anesthesia, but being able to manage the discomfort, prevent infection and ensure that the implant can properly fuse with the jaw are essential. The following is a review of dental implant placement and what to expect during and after the placement procedure.
A dental implant is a metal post that is placed into the jawbone beneath or below a missing tooth (or multiple missing teeth). They serve as an anchor or root for a replacement tooth, which is typically a crown for single tooth replacement. They are non-removable (unlike dentures) and last much longer than dentures or fixed bridges on average. They also offer exceptional functionality benefits, allowing the patient to eat how they desire. Patients can also care for their dental implants the same way as they would natural teeth.
Before implant placement, the patient may require a bone graft procedure. This ensures that there is enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. Once the mouth is ready, the implant placement procedure is scheduled. This procedure involves making an incision into the gums, drilling a small hole into the jawbone and placing the dental implant post into the jaw. Once the mouth heals, the abutment and replacement tooth are placed.
The patient does not feel anything during the procedure, but there is typically pain, swelling, minor bleeding and soreness after implant placement. The patient can manage the pain through pain relief medication, eating a soft diet and practicing good oral hygiene. It typically takes between seven and 10 days for the mouth to heal, and the patient can return to normal activity afterward. The implant must go through osseointegration, which refers to the process of the implant fusing together with the jawbone. This takes anywhere from two to six months.
As mentioned, pain relief medication (anti-inflammatory), a soft diet and good oral hygiene can speed up the recovery process. It is also encouraged to avoid activities that may result in a blow to the face and subsequently damage the implant or affected area. Patients should also make a strong effort to make all scheduled follow-up visits without rescheduling.
Our dental team helps patients through the dental implant placement process, ensuring that they are comfortable and have all their questions answered along the way. Call us or send us an email today to get the treatment process started.
Request an appointment here: https://saluddentalgroupnm.com or call Salud Dental Group at (505) 608-7517 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Albuquerque, NM.
If a lost tooth is not replaced by replacement options like dental implants, you may find normal oral functions like eating and speaking somewhat challenging. The smile’s alignment and appearance will also be affected, but that is not all. Tooth loss causes bone deterioration. Dental implants can halt the progression of bone loss, but the…
Dental implants are increasingly becoming the go-to option for replacing a lost tooth or teeth for the right patients. Anyone can lose a tooth, whether it’s due to blunt force injury, disease, or gradual tooth decay over time. If you haven’t lost a tooth (and you aren’t a dentist), you may not even know what a…
Thinking about getting dental implants to take care of your missing tooth problem? Implants are commonly chosen by dental patients who are in need of tooth replacement services. While there are other replacement options available, these do not offer the unique benefits that implants do. One of these benefits is preventing jawbone loss, which is…
A general dentist often recommends a dental sealant for patients who want to take extra preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of their teeth. A sealant can be utilized if they feel like your molars and other teeth with deep grooves are at risk of suffering damage. If you consider a dental sealant…
Using a dental sealant is reasonably simple, and most general dentists can do them easily…
Visiting a new dental office is a great way to take charge of your oral…
Preventive dentistry professionals recommend replacing a toothbrush every three to four months.
Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.
Because Invisalign® is removable, wearers are encouraged to keep the actual piece in for 22…
Salud Dental Group | Toddlers should undergo a dental cleaning at least twice a year,…
