Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for restoring missing teeth. They are placed into the jawbone and provide a stable and long-lasting foundation for a replacement tooth or dental prosthesis. However, getting dental implants can be lengthy, and patients often wonder how long it takes to heal completely.
Our experienced dentists explain the different stages of dental implant healing and how long the process can take here.
How Long Does It Take For Dental Implants to Heal?
The entire healing process for dental implants can take four to nine months, depending on the patient’s healing ability, bone density, and oral health.
Dental Implants are commonly done in two separate sessions. First, the implant is placed, and then, after the initial healing period, the abutment and crown are placed.
Step One: Placing the Implant
After receiving a dental implant, it takes time for your body to heal fully. Most people experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising within 3-5 days after the procedure. However, by the end of the first-week post-surgery, these symptoms should begin to subside, and you will feel less pain and discomfort.
Depending on your healing process, it could take 1 or 2 weeks to resume regular activities like eating a healthy diet and exercising without feeling pain or other symptoms. It is usual for healing time to vary from person to person; if you have any questions or concerns about healing after dental implant surgery, please don't hesitate to contact our West Omaha dental practice.
Step Two: Attaching the Abutment and Crown
Placing the abutment is a vital part of implant healing after dental surgery. Your dentist will offer local anesthesia beforehand; however, some soreness and pain around the site are normal. You should stick to soft foods while healing for approximately one to two weeks after this procedure.
To finish the process, you'll return to your dentist in a couple of weeks so they can securely place the permanent crown on top of the abutment. This procedure requires no incisions, so discomfort should be minimal.
Taking care of yourself during healing will ensure successful dental implant recovery and proper crown and abutment placement.
6 Ways To Improve Your Healing Time Immediately Post-Surgery
To avoid irritation and delay in healing after dental implant surgery, you should try to stick to soft foods.
Avoid hot foods and drinks after surgery, as your gums will likely be sensitive post-procedure.
Using a straw is not recommended due to the suction, which could disrupt the wound.
Hydration, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, quitting smoking, and limiting strenuous activities are all necessary steps for recovering quickly from oral surgery.
Ice packs can help reduce swelling, as will taking anti-inflammatory medications.
Saltwater rinses can keep bacteria away, while good dental hygiene should still be practiced, even around the implant site, so food particles do not get stuck in the surgical space, risking infection.
What Factors Influence Healing?
Healing after dental implant surgery vastly depends on several factors, such as the number of implants, their location in the jawbone, and whether or not a bone graft is required. Here are some factors that can change the healing time for dental implants:
The number of implants, location in the jawbone, and bone grafting all influence recovery time from dental implant surgery.
Patients may opt to get multiple implants done at once as the difference in healing time is comparable. However, more implants completed in a single surgery can cause the healing time to lengthen.
Implants placed in the lower jawbone heal more quickly than those on top.
Bone grafting can add three to nine months to the total recovery rate depending on how long it takes for that site to heal before post-placement can be completed.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and poor oral care will lengthen the overall healing rate, while healthy individuals tend to recover faster.
Other factors due to elements such as age or genetics, which are out of one's control, can lengthen the time required for the surgical sites to heal completely.
In most cases, healing after dental implant surgery is successful, and the implants could last a lifetime. The National Institute of Health reports that 95%-98% of all implant procedures are successful, but only with proper hygiene and care.
So that you can ensure that healing progresses well and protect your investment, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by our team and contact us with any questions or concerns. By following this advice, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of your dental implants for many years to come.
Contact Our West Omaha Dentists Today!
In addition to our general dentistry services, we take pride in giving our patients beautiful smiles through cosmetic dentistry procedures.
If you want to improve your smile, contact us online at Eagle Run Dental Group in Omaha or at 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment. We are accepting new patients!
About the Author: Drs. Sharlene and Robert Wilson offer various general and cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE. They earned their doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of combined experience, both are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smiles. Call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment.