At Murray Dental Group, our most popular restorative treatment options are dental implants and implant-supported dentures, thanks to several health benefits and functional advantages they offer. Implant-supported dental restorations provide patients with replacement teeth that support good oral health, look natural, feel strong, and work just like natural teeth for life.
While getting dental implants is a fairly simple process, it doesn't happen overnight, and patients will need to undergo a process of healing after their dental implant placement surgery. During this process, patients should follow the aftercare instructions and recovery best practices provided by our dentists to ensure that the dental implant and jawbone fuse with a strong osseointegration process and that the soft tissue around the treatment area heals properly.
Essential Post-Operative Care After Implant Surgery
Our dentists will provide you with comprehensive, detailed instructions for taking care of your dental implant after surgery. The first two weeks are crucial to optimal healing, and following instructions closely will help ensure a successful treatment outcome.
- Forming and Protecting a Blood Clot
After implant placement, you might bleed for several hours. You will be provided gauze pads that you can use to put pressure on the surgical site to help support the formation of a blood clot. Once active bleeding has stopped, you can leave the gauze out. Do not spit or rinse for 24 hours.
- Rinsing and Brushing
Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for 24 hours after surgery. On the second day, begin rinsing gently with a solution of warm water and salt after meals. You can also resume brushing your teeth in the morning and night, but be gentle and careful around the surgical site. If prescribed an irrigation solution, use this to rinse as directed.
- Managing Swelling
Swelling after implant placement is normal and typically peaks after about two days. To mitigate swelling, keep your head elevated above your heart and apply a cold compress every other 30 minutes during the first two days of recovery.
- Bruising
The formation of bruises after oral surgery is normal within one or two days of surgery. To expedite healing, use a warm compress every other 30 minutes.
- Pain Management
We use a local anesthetic to numb patients during surgery. Once the anesthetic has worn off, it's normal to experience some pain. Most patients find that over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) adequately address pain. However, you might also be prescribed a stronger pain medication that can be used if necessary.
- Diet
After surgery, avoid hot liquids and spicy or hard foods. Eat a diet of soft and mild foods for at least four days. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for at least two weeks until the soft tissue has healed around the implant.
- Straws
Avoid sucking and using straws for about two weeks after surgery so that you do not accidentally dislodge your blood clot.
- Activity
Plan to rest for a day or two after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least four days.
- Wearing a Removable Denture or Flipper
Our dentist will provide you with personalized instructions for wearing removable dentures or a flipper. These instructions vary from patient to patient. Sometimes, a patient will be instructed to leave their denture or flipper out until instructed to wear it. Other times, they will be instructed to wear it for the first 48 hours before removing it. If you develop any sores or pain beneath your denture or flipper, remove it and contact our office.
- Preventing Infection
Follow your postoperative oral hygiene instructions to keep the surgical site clean. You might also be prescribed antibiotics to help reduce the risk of a bacterial infection. Take your antibiotics as prescribed. If you experience any adverse side effects (such as nausea, itching, rash, or allergic reaction), stop use right away and contact our office.
Watch for Signs of Post-Surgical Complications
If you notice any signs of a bacterial infection around the surgical site, contact our office immediately. Signs and symptoms of infection can include:
- Fever (a low-grade fever can sometimes occur after dental implant placement without an infection)
- A sudden increase in swelling
- Throbbing pain
- Visible pus
- Foul-tasting or smelling discharge
Additionally, contact our office if you begin experiencing any sinus pain or discomfort.
3 Best Practices for Your Implant Surgery Recovery
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully
It's important to read and carefully follow the post-operative care instructions provided to you by our dentist. Following these instructions closely will support your body's natural healing process, reduce your risk of infection, and help you mitigate discomfort during recovery while helping ensure a successful treatment outcome.
2. Avoid Alcohol
After oral surgery, alcohol can cause a variety of complications, including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Increased infection risk
- Delayed healing due to blood vessel constriction and reduced blood flow
- Dry mouth and dehydration that can further slow the healing process
- Potentially dangerous interactions with medications, such as prescription pain medication and antibiotics
3. Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Tobacco use (including smoking, chewing tobacco, and other forms) can significantly impede the healing process after implant surgery. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the jawbones and gums, limiting the oxygen and healing nutrients that are essential to successful implant placement. Additionally, tobacco use can weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of infection.
How Long Before You're Back to Normal? Dental Implants Recovery Time
The recovery time for dental implants can vary based on several factors, including:
- Your unique anatomy, bone quality, health, and healing speed
- The number of dental implants placed
- The complexity of the procedure
- Adherence to postoperative instructions
Initial Healing
On average, patients experience one to two weeks of initial healing. During this time, the soft tissues heal, drastically reducing sensitivity at the surgery site.
Osseointegration
The process of the dental implant fusing with the jawbone matter takes longer, an average of three to six months. This part of the process is crucial to a successful treatment outcome.
Full Recovery
Most patients recover fully between three and six months after implant placement. Some patients, however, can require more than eight months for complete healing and osseointegration to occur.
Ongoing Dental Implant Care and Maintenance
After recovering from dental implant placement, dental implants do not require much ongoing care or maintenance. However, for dental implants to remain stable for life, it is vital to maintain good oral health for the prevention of gum disease which can lead to bone degeneration and the loss of dental implants.
In addition to visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and examination and continuing to brush and floss your teeth, we recommend using a water flosser to clean thoroughly around and under the dental implant and tooth restoration. This will help dislodge any debris and bacteria from the area around the implant to prevent gum disease and inflammation from affecting your dental implant's integrity.
We're Here for You! Professional Support for Your Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
After getting dental implants in Glenwood Springs, the team at Murray Dental Group is here to support you throughout your healing and recovery process. We strongly encourage our patients to follow the best practices and guidelines for dental implant aftercare, and we always welcome you to contact our office if you have any questions or notice any signs of potential complications. We are here for you and will be happy to answer any questions you might have or welcome you in for a same-day checkup to monitor your healing progress.
Contact Murray Dental Group today to learn more about smile restoration with dental implants or to get more information about what to expect during your recovery.
