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There are multiple reasons why dental implants may be necessary at some point in your life. A titanium screw, used as an artificial root, once dental implants are in place they can support a variety of tooth replacement options. Replacing broken, missing or decayed teeth is important - not just to bolster your confidence in your appearance, but also to support your ability to eat, prevent the loss of bone density, and put a stop to your remaining teeth shifting unnecessarily.
As with any surgery, after receiving dental implants it’s important to prioritise your recovery, and follow all of the post-surgical care instructions you receive. Failing to listen to this important medical advice may hinder your healing, and compromise the effectiveness of your surgery altogether. In this blog we’ll detail what to expect after dental implant surgery, outlining useful information such as what to eat, how long the process takes, and when to seek further medical attention.
After your dental implants have been inserted, it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort, including:
However, if any of these symptoms continue past the first few days post-surgery, or get gradually worse instead of better, you should contact your dentist and let them know about your condition. Depending on their advice, you might need to be seen again for further treatment. Here’s what the first month of your recovery is likely to look like:
You won’t feel anything for a little while after surgery because of the local anaesthetic. Bleeding might continue for the first few hours, and then reoccur intermittently for as long as 24 hours. Once feeling returns to your mouth you’ll likely experience some pain and discomfort - you may be prescribed a painkiller, or choose to take over the counter pain relief. Holding a cold compress to your cheek over the dental implant will also help to reduce pain and swelling.
If possible, spend the rest of the day relaxing.
While pain and swelling are at their peak, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity, hard foods, and directly brushing the dental implant site. Resist the urge to touch the implant site with your fingers or tongue, and don’t be tempted to smoke. The clots that will form around your implant are essential to healing, and disturbing them may prolong the process.
During the first week, we recommend slowly reintroducing firmer foods, but still avoiding anything too hard or crunchy. A lot of healing happens within the first week following your surgery, and it’s important to support this process by following your post-surgery care instructions carefully.
You might have an appointment with your dentist at some point during the first month post-surgery to see how the area is healing - if you haven’t experienced any issues so far, it’s likely your implant is well on its way to fully integrating with your jaw. If your sutures need removing, this will likely happen at this appointment.
It can take 3-6 months for an implant to properly bond with the jawbone, so while the majority of healing happens within the first few weeks, it’s not unusual to experience tenderness and discomfort for some time after. This could be exacerbated by eating things that are very hot or very cold, or eating foods with a tough or crunchy texture. Only after your implant has successfully bonded to the bone can your crown, bridge or denture be attached.
For those with regimented, sensitive diets, what to eat after dental implant surgery might be an understandable concern. Here are the foods we would recommend after your surgery:
There are lots of things that could potentially impact the healing of your dental implants; either slowing down the process or causing complications.
Smoking narrows the blood vessels, reduces white blood cell count and limits the flow of oxygen in the blood. Anything that hinders oxygen and blood flow to the wound will reduce its ability to heal. In some cases it can even cause the implant to fail.
Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption often goes hand in hand with dehydration and nutrient deficiencies - both of which will hinder your healing and extend your recovery time.
Failing to keep your dental implant site clean through proper brushing can lead to food becoming trapped in and around the area. This in turn could lead to a buildup of bacteria, and infections. While you may not be able to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as usual immediately after your dental implant surgery, rinsing with salt water after meals will help to keep the area clean and free of debris.
There are lots of medical conditions that can impair your body’s ability to heal itself. This is why it’s so important to share your medical history with your dentist prior to your surgery, as they will be able to advise you on what to expect during recovery - which, depending on your health, may differ from the standard.
It’s important to follow professional advice when they tell you what to expect after dental implant surgery, especially in regards to returning to normal activities. For example, while you may feel fit and healthy a few days after receiving your implant, it still wouldn’t be advisable to partake in a contact sport where you might receive a blow to the face, for obvious reasons. Just because your implant isn’t actively hurting or irritated, it doesn’t mean it couldn’t become so very easily.
You should prepare to be taking it easy for at least a week after your implant - if your job involves strenuous activity, this may involve taking time off of work.
If any kind of complication arises during the healing process, it’s important to know when to contact a medical professional. Here are some of the signs to look out that might indicate something is wrong with the way your dental implant is healing:
Even after the 3-6 months it can take for your implant to heal completely, it doesn’t mean you can stop caring for it. Practising good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and having regular dental check ups are all paramount for long-term dental implant care.
If you want to learn more about the dental implant process, or feel ready to book a consultation with an expert from Beech Lane Dental, get in touch with us today.
