How Long Does It Take to Heal From Dental Implants?
As you begin the process of getting dental implants, it’s natural to have many questions. You may want to know about the stages of the procedure and how long the implant process will take. You may also wonder how long it will take to heal.
In some cases, patients are ready to return to work the day after receiving their dental implants and require only a couple of weeks before they can start eating normal food again. In other cases, it can take several months to fully recover. Let’s discuss dental implant recovery and how long it may take.
Dental implant steps
A dental implant procedure involves multiple steps. First, your dentist must conduct a thorough evaluation. Then, your mouth will be prepared for implantation. Any lingering teeth that are being replaced will be removed during this stage. If your jawbone is not dense enough to receive implants, you will also undergo a bone-grafting procedure. Next, posts will be implanted into your jawbone. During the last step of the process, crowns are affixed to the posts.
Factors that affect healing time
The dental implantation process usually requires around three or four visits to your dentist’s office and it can take months to complete. Generally, dental implant recipients have to wait around two to six weeks before they are fully recovered. However, healing time can vary, depending upon a number of factors:
Teeth removal
How many teeth must be removed before the implantation? If you have many teeth that need to be extracted prior to the implant surgery, your gums may require a little more time to heal.
Bone grafting
If your jawbone requires grafting before an implant can be placed, you should expect a longer recovery period. After a bone graft, the surgical site usually heals within a couple of weeks. However, the bone needs months to fully recover. This healing time is crucial to ensuring that your implants are strong and sturdy for years to come.
Age, sex, and overall health
A younger mouth can heal more quickly than that of someone at an advanced age.
Studies show that women may take longer to heal
after dental implant surgery. Patients who have gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disease could experience a longer recovery period.
What to expect during recovery
As your gums and jawbone heal from your implant surgery, you will likely find it difficult to chew food. It can take several days or longer before it is comfortable and safe to eat solid foods again. Your gums may be swollen and uncomfortable for a couple of weeks after the surgery. You may also experience some pain. You may ask your dentist about over-the-counter and prescription pain relief options.
Proper care during recovery
It’s extremely important to care for your mouth properly as it heals from dental implant surgery. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Be sure to take all prescribed medications and ice your jaw regularly.
Eat only soft foods until you are fully healed
Would you like to make an appointment to discuss dental implant surgery? Call Ellicott City Dentistry at 410-465-3021. We are happy to support our patients in achieving excellent oral health and beaming smiles.
