Dental Implant Surgery Recovery: What to Expect By Stephen Dowell, DDS on January 16, 2019

Patients have options when it comes to tooth replacement treatment. But for the right candidates, dental implants are considered the best solution for replacing missing teeth and strengthening jaw bone tissues.

If you are undergoing dental implant surgery, read on to learn more about dental implant surgery recovery, including helpful tips from Drs. Dowell and Rossi. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Dowell Dental in Minerva, OH.

Osseointegration

The reason why dental implants are so stable is a biological process called osseointegration. This natural process is when bone tissues accept a foreign object inside the bone structure and grow and develop around it.

Similar to how jawbone tissues develop around a tooth root, the jawbone can also develop around a titanium implant to hold it firmly in place.

Osseointegration happens over a four to six-month period after the implant placement procedure. If effective, this will keep the implant permanently in place in the jaw.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Drs. Dowell and Rossi offer the following tips to promote a speedy recovery, and encourage the crucial osseointegration process to begin quickly.

• Immediately after the procedure, continue to switch out gauze every half hour for the first couple hours until bleeding lessens considerably. It is normal for blood to be present in the mouth for up to 48 hours, but if severe bleeding occurs, contact our office immediately.
• Right after your procedure, be careful around the surgical site; your gums and mouth will be slightly tender and sensitive for the first couple days.
• Spend the first day relaxing. Do not lift or bend over, and keep other physical activity to a minimum. Remember to keep your head elevated during the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and bleeding.
• Brush your teeth normally, but avoid direct contact with the surgical site for the first couple days.
• Eat a soft diet for at least the first two days and avoid very cold or hot foods.
• After 36 hours, rinse with a salt water solution (or other medicated solution, if provided by our office). This will prevent infection and keep the healing gums clean.  
• Stiff jaw muscles and sore gums are normal for the first few days. Use pain medication as prescribed from your dentist, or over-the-counter options, as needed.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the top choice for long-lasting tooth replacement while preserving the natural look and feel of a patient’s smile.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing dental implants:

• Safe: Implants are fabricated from titanium and have been placed, monitored, and studied in patients for over 30 years. Titanium’s unique properties help it integrate fully with your natural facial tissues.
• Long-lasting: Once successfully placed, dental implants last a lifetime. With proper oral hygiene, no replacement implant will be needed.
• Prevents bone deterioration: Placing an implant in the jaw fills the gap left behind after tooth loss. This prevents the bone tissue in that area from weakening and helps to stabilize the entire jaw.
• Stable: After tooth loss, your teeth and gums may begin shifting. It is not uncommon for nearby teeth to fall out of alignment because of the gap left in the jaw. Implants fill the gap left behind after tooth loss, keeping remaining teeth in line.
• Successful: Implant placement procedures have high success rates; 90 to 95 percent of placements are considered effective.

Contact Us

To schedule a consultation about dental implants, or to talk to a member of our staff about your recent procedure, contact our practice.