Receiving dental implants is a big step toward restoring your smile and confidence. Whether replacing one tooth or several, implants provide a durable, natural alternative. If you’re searching for a St. Albert dentist, it will be helpful to understand the recovery process. Knowing how long you will be healing will provide peace of mind and understanding as you enter this next phase.
The recovery process will vary somewhat based on your overall health, how many implants were placed, and whether any other procedures, like a bone graft, were performed. Once you have a trusted dentist in your area, they will walk you through each phase of the dental implant process with personal care to assist you in your healing.
Dental Implant Healing Stages Explained
Dental implant surgery recovery happens in stages. Each stage is crucial for obtaining stability and longevity for your implants. Here’s a general overview of what patients can expect in most cases:
- First 24-48 hours: It is common to experience swelling, slight bleeding, and discomfort. Our dentist near you most likely will have recommended that you rest, use ice packs, and take prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
- First week: The soft tissue around the area of the implant will begin healing. At this point, soft foods should be consumed, and oral hygiene should be implemented gently to avoid irritation.
- 2 to 6 weeks: The gum tissue will continue to recover, and stitches, if any, may dissolve or be removed. A patient may start to feel more comfortable consuming a larger variety of foods.
- 3 to 6 Months: The process of osseointegration will begin. This is the process when the implant will attach to the jawbone, forming a solid foundation for the crown.
- Final stage: Once your dentist is confident of recovery, a crown or bridge will be placed on the implant, completing your smile.
Dental Implant Recovery Timeline with Bone Graft
Sometimes, a bone graft is needed before having an implant or sometimes even during the procedure itself, in order to have enough bone to support an implant. This can increase and extend the recovery process. It can take several months to heal from a bone graft. Recovering from a graft will require your dentist to closely track your healing process to determine if it’s appropriate to proceed to the next stage. The time to do a bone graft delays the overall process, but it is an important part of ensuring a strong and successful implant long term.
How Long Until Dental Implants Feel Normal
The majority of patients feel a sensation of increased comfort with their implants within a few weeks; however, healing takes several months. Once osseointegration has occurred, dental implants will function and feel like natural teeth, and you will be able to eat, smile, and speak with confidence.
Please keep in mind that everyone will heal at their own pace. Your age, health, whether you smoke, and following aftercare instructions are all part of your pace of healing.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
To help your dental implant in St. Albert recovery go as smoothly as possible, here are a few tips:
- Follow all of your dentist’s aftercare advice
- Don’t eat hard or sticky things during initial healing
- Practice oral hygiene gently and consistently
- Keep your follow-up appointments
- Avoid smoking, which will slow your healing down
Restoring Confidence with Dental Implants
Dental implants do require some patience during recovery, but the results are definitely worth the wait! Not only does a restored smile provide you with greater confidence, but it also safeguards your oral health for many years to come. When you’re prepared to move forward with a healthier, more confident smile, contact Jensen Lakes Dental to schedule your consultation today!