Are you planning to get a dental implant? Are you worried about the recovery time? A dental implant is as good as an original tooth. With a dental implant, you won’t have any problem in chewing things which is typically the case with dentures.
Having said that, as the technology is fairly new, some people still have doubts or queries regarding the procedure. This blog post will explore the recovery time for dental implants and what to expect during the healing process, among other things.
What Is a Dental Implant?
There are 3 components of a dental implant. The main component is the screw-like implant that is surgically inserted into the jawbone which acts as a natural root for teeth. Into this screw goes a metal stud which provides the base for the crown.
There are different kinds of dental implants. They can be used for a single tooth or as a support for dentures. Since dental implants act as a natural tooth root, these do not require any special adhesives and are made of materials such as titanium that are not rejected by the human body.
Factors That Might Add to Recovery Time
Since every person has a unique mouth shape, the recovery time varies. However, there are certain factors that might add to recovery time such as:
- Number and location of dental implants
- Need for bone or soft tissue graft
- Need for incision
What Can You Expect During the Healing Process?
The following few days after the procedure, you might experience some tenderness or soreness but it will keep getting better each day. You should get in touch with your doctor in case the pain level increases. Sometimes, swelling may also happen near the site of the incision but it usually lasts only 2 to 3 days. The swelling can be eased by applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some people might also experience a slight fever but it usually goes away within a day or two. Nausea or dizziness is also common but it is a side effect of the prescribed medications.
How Long Is Dental Implant Recovery Time?
There are several factors that affect the recovery time after dental implant surgery. For patients who need only one or two implants without the need for bone or tissue graft, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to recover.
On the other hand, for patients who need grafts and multiple dental implants, it might take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. Some of the other factors that affect the recovery time include hygiene, health, and age.
When Can You Resume Regular Activity?
It depends on the patient. Some individuals with healthy gums and jaw bones may be able to resume work on the same day. On the other hand, it might take a couple of days for others to resume regular activity. It is not recommended to drive while you are still taking medications. Also, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for 3 days after the operation.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants after They Are Healed?
While dental implants are the best replacement for natural teeth, they also experience wear and tear which means if you don’t take proper care, they are not going to last as long as expected. You need to brush and floss regularly and also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning. Also, you need to care for the gum tissue surrounding the implants.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a dental implant is a perfect replacement for a missing natural tooth. The recovery time for a dental implant is usually a couple of days if no bone grafting is needed. With bone grafting, it might take a couple of weeks to fully recover. It is important to focus on your diet and take proper care of your teeth to ensure good oral health and enhance the service life of a dental implant.
Visit Barbossa Valley Dental for Dental Implants!
Barbossa Valley Dental is the latest addition to Welcare Dental which has been providing dental care services to the residents of the Western suburbs of Adelaide since 2012. We offer high-quality dental implants at the most affordable prices.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and reliable dentist in the Barossa Valley region, then please contact us today on 08 8565 7906 to make an appointment or leave an enquiry.
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