15 Cornerstone Ct #3A, Plantsville, CT 06479
Southington Dentistry | Clenching and Grinding, Dental Crowns and Sedation Dentistry
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Healing After Dental Implants: What To Expect

June 23, 2022

When patients undergo dental implant surgery, they’re often pleasantly surprised at just how low maintenance the aftercare process is and how simple their recovery is. To find out what you can expect following implant surgery and how you can heal as quickly as possible, read on in this blog from Southington Dentistry.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

There are a few different aspects of the implant process that take a different amount of time. The first oral surgery is when we implant the titanium posts into your jawbone. You can expect it to take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks. 

However, it will take 3 to 6 months for osseointegration to be complete. This is the process of the implant fusing with your jawbone. Osseointegration needs to successfully take place before we can perform the second oral surgery, reopening your gums to attach the abutment. 

This will take a similar amount of time to heal as the first oral surgery, so from a few days to 2 weeks.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

There are 3 things that you can expect immediately following implant surgery and those are bleeding, minor pain or tenderness, and swelling. Experiencing bleeding after implant surgery is completely normal, but it shouldn’t be severe or persist for longer than 72 hours. 

Swelling will peak 2-3 days after the implant procedure. We recommend that you apply a cold compress to your face for 15 minutes on and off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. 

If you feel pain or tenderness at the site of the implant, you can take anti-inflammatory pain medication which will also help to reduce swelling. Another tip to reduce swelling is to keep your head elevated.

Aftercare

For the first 24 hours, you should rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Avoid all suction, spitting, smoking, and alcohol for the first 24 hours. You will need to stick to soft foods and avoid hard and sticky foods. Try to chew on the side of your mouth without the implant and avoid hot and spicy foods as well as hot liquids for the first 24 hours.

The day following your surgery, you can start to rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution a few times a day. Brush and floss your teeth like you normally would but avoid the implant site. You should attend regular dental visits to ensure you’re in good oral health. 

Poor oral hygiene can affect your healing and osseointegration. Avoid disturbing the implant site by touching it with your fingers or tongue. Don’t peel back your lip or gums to look at the implant. It has the best chance of healing if it is left alone.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can restore your tooth’s root and crown while preventing bone loss. You’ll never have to worry about shifting teeth ever again and they can last for the rest of your life. Contact us at Southington Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Neil Salesky and find out if implants are right for you.

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Southington Dentistry

15 Cornerstone Ct #3A
Plantsville, CT 06479
New Patients: (860) 263-0401

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