A lot of people get discouraged when they hear that dental implants can take up to six months to heal. And, that's understandable. Anything taking that long can feel disheartening. But, that's not telling the entire story.
So, here's what you need to know about dental implants and their healing period.
How Long Does It Take for Implants to Heal?
Dental implants do need about six months to be completed, but that doesn't mean you're going to experience pain for the entire period. The implant surgery site only needs about two weeks to fully recover. However, the implant itself needs six months or more to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue.
Here's a general timeline of the dental implant process to give you a more accurate idea:
- Post-Surgery Recovery: As we said, the healing process after the surgery itself usually lasts about one or two weeks. During this time, you will experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort, all normal side effects of the surgery.
- Osseointegration: This is the process where the dental implant integrates with your jawbone, forming a strong foundation for the implant. Osseointegration can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but in some cases, it can take longer.
- Abutment and Crown Placement: Once Dr. Keleigh Lascari confirms that osseointegration is successful, she will place the abutment and the dental crown. You might feel a bit of tightness and discomfort for a few more days as your mouth is getting accustomed to the crown.
How to Help Dental Implants Heal Faster?
While you can't speed up the osseointegration process, you can ensure that the implant surgery heals nicely.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing directly over the surgery site for a few days.
- Avoid Smoking and alcohol since they can slow the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Stick to soft foods in the first few days after the implant surgery to avoid disturbing the implant site. Make sure your diet includes plenty of nutrient-rich foods that can help with healing. This may include scrambled eggs, yogurt, broths, smoothies, and so on.
- Keeping your body hydrated can aid the healing process. However, you should avoid hot drinks for a few days post-surgery as they can affect the implant site.
- Do not use straws as the sucking action can disturb the surgical site.
- Take it easy for a few days after your surgery. Physical activity can increase blood flow and potentially cause bleeding at the surgical site.
- Don't miss any appointments with Dr. Keleigh Lascari so that she can ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Interested in Dental Implants in Covington, LA? Call Us!
Are you looking for an effective way to replace missing teeth? Dental implants may be the right treatment for you.
Get in touch with Cornerstone Dentistry, tell us about your problem and we will schedule an appointment for you.
Contact us now for more details.
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