If you’ve made the decision to get dental implants then you need to be aware of what you’re going to go through as part of the recovery process. Recovering from implants takes time, and requires attention to dental hygiene practices to execute correctly. The best way to approach this process is to be informed about what to expect, and what steps you’ll need to take to successfully heal from the surgery. Dental implants are an incredible restorative procedure that will give you back a beautiful smile and the ability to eat normally.
How Long Is The Recovery Period From Dental Implants?
Dental recovery can take some time that can vary dependent on how many teeth you’ve had removed, how many posts you’ve had implanted, and whether bone grafting was necessary. The health of your existing bone is also a major factor, as well as individual elements that include your natural rate of healing.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Every individual has a different degree of pain tolerance, though most patients are able to return to their normal life within 24-48 hours of the surgery. Pain levels also vary depending on the complexity of the treatment you underwent.
- Simple Procedures – If a single tooth is being replaced and you have otherwise good oral health and sturdy bone, there won’t be a great deal of discomfort associated with your procedure. Swelling and bruising is normal, and you’ll have to eat soft food for a week following the procedure. Oral hygiene remains largely unchanged, though you’ll want to brush gently.
- Moderate Procedures – This is the type of procedure that most patients undergo, and is almost always accompanied by bruising, discomfort, and swelling afterward. Patients who have a moderate procedure will receive pain medication and will go through a healing process of about a week. About 10 days after the surgery you should be able to return to a normal diet, but stay away from foods that are hard to chew until you’ve fully healed.
- Difficult Procedures – Some patients will have greater complications that can result in the procedure being more difficult. After a procedure like this it can take four to six weeks before the patient is able to return to a normal diet. Medication will be prescribed to help manage the pain following the surgery, and a check-up will be scheduled to monitor your healing process.
What To Eat And Drink Following The Surgery
The majority of patients rely on options that include protein shakes, pureed foods, smoothies, and other soft foods like mashed potatoes. Hot beverages need to be avoided, and you shouldn’t use a straw as the sucking motion can cause issues with the healing process. Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly off limits while you heal.
If you want to learn more about the dental implant process and what you can expect during recovery, call Dr. Marian Bradford at Premier Dental of South Orange County in Aliso Viejo CA today. Their team of experts will help you learn to manage your oral health and explain what will happen during any procedure you undergo. Call for an appointment today.