Recovering from Dental Implants Surgery

Here at Bell Dental, we offer patients throughout the West Columbia area some of the finest advanced dentistry available. This includes cosmetic solutions for tooth discoloration and dental implants to support bridges or dentures when a patient is missing teeth. This is a effective restorative dentistry option that helps countless patients smile, bite, chew, and speak with confidence.

Let's take a moment to consider the recovery period after having dental implants placed. This will give prospective patients realistic expectations about the treatment process.

Common Side Effects Experienced After Oral Surgery

After undergoing the oral surgery to place dental implants, the following side effects are common:

• Soreness and discomfort
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Minor bleeding

All of these side effects are manageable and temporary, and patients should notice an improvement of these symptoms after a few days. If the symptoms fail to improve after a few days, patients should speak with their oral surgeon promptly so these issues can be properly addressed.

Changes to Your Diet

For the first days and weeks after your oral surgery, it's a good idea to eat foods that are soft and that do not have crumbs. Lukewarm/room temperature foods are ideal as well, and staying away from spicy foods will avoid sensitivity and irritation as your incision sites heal in those first days and weeks.

As you continue to heal, you'll be able to reincorporate your favorite foods back into your diet. Be sure to check with your oral surgeon about foods you'd like to resume eating.

Avoid Using Drinking Straws

While they may seem ideal while you're healing from oral surgery, drinking straws are actually bad. The suction created from the use of a straw can have a negative effect on sutures and can also undo blood clots in the incision areas. Best to avoid using drinking straws until you are completely healed.

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products

Before and after your oral surgery for dental implants, it's important that you avoid using any tobacco products. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can increase your chances of infection and gum disease, and can also have a negative impact on overall healing times. This is just another good reason to quit.

Proper Oral Hygiene

For the early days after surgery, patients will be provided with a special rinse and/or advised on obtaining/mixing a special rinse to help keep their mouth sterile and clean. Brushing your teeth and flossing should be done as usual.

As for brushing the abutment, this can be done roughly 48 hours after surgery so long as patients are very gentle about it. Follow your oral surgeon's instructions with regard to proper oral hygiene following oral surgery as your situation and needs may vary.

Osseointegration

During the healing process, it's of the utmost importance that osseointegration occurs. This refers to the fusion of the dental implants with your jawbone and gum tissue. Only when this occurs will the dental implants be ready to hold a dental appliance of some kind in place.

How long does the recovery process take?

In general, recovery from dental implant placement and osseointegration will take up to seven months. Some patients may recover sooner than that or later. Followup visits with your oral surgeon will occur throughout the healing process. Be sure to attend them as scheduled.

Learn More About Implant Dentistry Treatment

If you would like to learn more about your many options for advanced dental care, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team here at Bell Dental will help you achieve the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.