Dental implants support permanent artificial teeth, making them a popular alternative to dentures. Dental implants require oral surgery, providing a durable, effective, and natural-looking tooth replacement. If you are considering implants, preparing for the postoperative period can make for a much smoother recovery.
Dental implants are biocompatible metal or ceramic posts inserted into the jaw. They anchor a tooth-like dental restoration known as a dental crown. (For reference, crowns restore root canal-treated and damaged teeth.) The crown looks, feels, and works like a natural tooth and will connect to the implant with an abutment.
It will take at least two appointments to complete this entire procedure. One appointment will focus on removing the old tooth root, inserting the dental implant, and placing temporary crowns. The implants must fuse with the jawbone completely (osseointegration) for the oral surgeon to place the permanent crowns safely. Therefore, a second appointment a few months later will be necessary to install the permanent crowns.
Getting dental implants is a commitment, but patients can make the entire process easier by giving themselves time to heal properly. Oral surgeons will provide each patient with personalized instructions on caring for their implants following the surgery. The following tips may supplement these instructions to promote a faster recovery:
Patients are encouraged to rest for at least three days (72 hours) after dental implant surgery. Do not rush back to work. Sticking to light activities and sleeping will help the body heal. Similarly, try to avoid stressful situations, as this will slow down healing.
After dental implant surgery, it can help to have a family member or friend come to handle tasks around the house and prepare food. Having a loved one drive the patient home after the procedure is also recommended. If the patient was put under anesthesia for the procedure, they should wait at least 24 hours to drive or operate other types of heavy machinery.
Follow the oral surgeon’s instructions on caring for the implant site. On the day of the procedure, this will involve rinsing the area gently with salt water or a prescription mouth rinse. The patient can then gently brush the area as their mouth heals.
The oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help with discomfort. While this medication is optional, it can provide much-needed relief immediately after getting dental implants. Make sure to take the pain medication only as directed.
The oral surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics to save the implant site from infection. Once the patient starts taking them, they should not stop until they have taken the full course of antibiotics. Stopping in the middle of a course can result in an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.
Eating soft foods and slowly transitioning back to harder foods after getting implants can help with patient discomfort. It can also reduce the chances of improper healing and other complications. On average, this transition takes two weeks.
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Dental implants are an effective teeth replacement. These steps can help to speed up the recovery process. To learn more about healing after dental implant surgery, call our office at 734-961-4864.
Request an appointment or call Great Lakes Oral Surgery at 734-961-4864 for an appointment in our Ann Arbor office.
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