If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, the team at Fort Bend Dental can help. Our dentists in Richmond and Missouri City, TX offer numerous solutions for tooth loss, including crowns, bridges, and dentures supported by dental implants. These artificial tooth roots are strong and offer a superior hold to dental adhesives and creams.
Many patients have questions about the treatment timeframe and the recovery process associated with implant dentistry. Here is a recovery timeline to help you understand what healing is like after the dental implant surgery is performed.
What to Expect After the Oral Surgery
After the oral surgery for dental implants, patients can expect a certain amount of grogginess and soreness. This is from the local anesthetic and sedative drugs wearing off. It’s normal, and patients are encouraged to rest after the procedure.
Most patients are able to return to work the day after their oral surgery. Some patients may require some time off, however, particularly if their job involves lots of strenuous activity or public interaction.
The First Days After Getting Dental Implants
In the first days after getting dental implants, patients will notice pain around the part of the jaw that was operated on. This can be managed with the use of pain medications taken as directed. Bruising around the gumline is common, as is some swelling along the gumline and part of the face. A cold compress against the face can help reduce the swelling.
Patients are asked to modify their diet to help with post-surgical recovery. This means that patients should stick with soft foods and avoid crunchy foods, foods that produce a lot of crumbs, and foods with tiny seeds. Drinking straws should be avoided until your dentist advises otherwise; the suction can affect clots and sutures.
The First Two Weeks After Getting Dental Implants
By the end of the first week after the oral surgery, patients will return to Fort Bend Dental for a follow-up visit. This will be done to check on the surgical site and monitor the patient’s healing experience. Further follow-up visits will occur over the course of treatment.
By the end of the first two weeks, patients should experience improvements in their initial side effects.
The First Month After Getting Dental Implants
By the end of the first month after oral surgery, patients will be mostly back to normal. Side effects should be minimal, and pain and discomfort no longer an issue. Drinking straws may be permitted by this time depending on the progress of the incision sites.
Understanding the Process of Osseointegration
In order for dental implants to be successful, a process known as osseointegration must take place. This involves the dental implants fusing with the jawbone. This will allow the dental implants to function much like natural tooth roots. It will take six months or more for osseointegration to occur, so patients must keep that in mind.
Getting the Final Restoration/Appliance
Once osseointegration has occurred, the final restoration or appliance can be crafted and placed. The crown, bridge, or denture will be created by dental lab technicians, customized for fit and for a natural appearance.
How Long Will Dental Implant Treatment Take?
For most patients, implant dentistry treatment takes around seven months to a year, sometimes more. We can discuss the timeframes for your dental implant treatment in more detail during a consultation.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants and the overall treatment process, we encourage you to contact our skilled cosmetic and restorative dentists. The Fort Bend Dental team can be reached in Richmond at (281) 336-9971 and in Missouri City at (281) 336-9899.
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