Recovery time after implant placement
Many factors play a role in the recovery period and healing time after dental implants. If you have only received one or two implants and have not had a bone graft or gum tissue graft, your teeth and gums may heal in as little as 1-2 days. If you have had multiple dental implants and require a bone graft, your healing time may take closer to a week or two.
Factors Affecting Dental Implant Recovery
The process of implanting a complete denture often takes several months, with much of this time spent recovering from the surgery. A person who combines one or more dental implant procedures and has them done at the same time will require fewer stages of recovery.
Of course, it should be noted that not everyone can have multiple stages of dental implant placement at the same time. Only people who are in excellent physical and oral health will receive this treatment option. Similarly, people who undergo bone grafting surgery will require more recovery time than those who have dental implants placed immediately after tooth extraction.
Additionally, the more dental implants a person needs, the longer they will need to recover. Here is a timeline of the recovery process:
Recovery after bone graft surgery
After surgery, the dentist will wait to place the implant until the donor’s bone has fused to the jaw and before the jaw begins to lose bone mass again, which can take anywhere from three to six months.
Recovery after implant placement
Compared to bone graft surgery, this procedure requires less recovery and different body parts. The person only has to wait for the bone to fuse with the implant and for the surgical site to heal. Depending on how quickly the patient’s body can produce new bone tissue, this time usually takes between two and six months, but ultimately, it all depends on the person’s overall health.
Recovery after abutment placement
A patient with a healthy jaw and teeth may have their dentist in Hamilton place an abutment along with the dental implant, which means no additional surgery or longer recovery time. Patients who require a separate procedure for abutment placement will need several weeks for the gum tissue to heal and grow around the abutment.
Recovery from a dental restoration
Since the restoration is made over the abutment, incisions, and stitches in this area are usually rarely necessary. After the dentist has cemented the crown, bridge, or denture, the patient can simply go home with a fully functional, temporary tooth that is ready for daily activities. The dentist will usually wait until the gums around the abutment have healed before placing the restoration. In the case of a one-day dental implant, the gums and jaw will heal with the restoration in place.
Recovery Time When Two or More Procedures Are Combined
Since dentists often prefer to combine a sinus lift with a bone graft, the recovery time involves several months. Some patients receive a bone graft and dental implant at the same time. Others do not require a bone graft and may only have the implant placed on the same day. In this scenario, the person will need several weeks to recover from the incisions and stitches resulting from the surgery.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Some patients can return to work the same day as their surgery. Others may need a day or two to recover. We recommend that you do not drive until the anesthesia wears off and you are comfortable with the pain. Beyond that, do what feels comfortable. Please avoid strenuous activities until you are 3 days off any narcotics.
Is it okay to smoke after getting dental implants?
In addition to the natural health problems that come with smoking, it can be detrimental to the healing process after getting dental implants. Smoking can lead to infection and implant failure. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco for at least a week after your implant surgery.
When will I receive my permanent crowns?
When you leave the office, you will likely have temporary crowns that will function like regular teeth until you receive your permanent crown or cap. This is usually done 4 to 6 months after surgery to allow for full healing.
However, if your procedure was minimally invasive, you may receive your permanent crowns much sooner. In some cases, patients receive their permanent crowns on the day of surgery.
How do I care for my dental implants after they heal?
Your dental implants function just like your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings are essential. While you won’t get cavities in your dental implants, they are prone to regular wear and tear, so the better you take care of them, the longer they will last and the stronger they will be. It is also important to take care of the gum tissue around your implants, as gum health has a direct impact on the health and strength of the supporting jaw bones.
