A dental implant is a titanium metal tooth root that is inserted into your jaw to hold a new permanent tooth or denture. They are a good choice for patients who have a missing tooth or teeth. Check out more about teeth implants.
How long is the healing phase after getting dental implants
The normal dental implant procedure is a multi-step process, requiring more than one healing phase. Depending on the number of teeth to replace and the patient’s overall health condition, the healing period can vary.
What happens from the procedure to recovery?
- Bone grafting may be recommended if the patient does not have sufficient healthy bone jaw. The procedure requires a healthy jawbone as the implant will be placed there. After a waiting period of four to six months, the next process follows.
- If bone grafting is not necessary, the dentist will recommend tooth extractions. Extractions require a healing time for the injured gum to recuperate. With modern technology, dentists at Newport Smiles can arrange them immediately after the extractions, reducing the time. Our dentist will attach a cap onto the implant then suture the gum tissue. Depending on your health, the wound may take a week to heal.
- After a period of four to six months, the dentist will perform a second surgery. At this stage, the jaw bone has completely integrated with the titanium posts. The gum surrounding it is stitched, leaving the cap open. Following the contour of the cap, the gums heals around it.
- The osseointegration process is completed once the gum has fully recuperated. Your Newport Smiles dentist will then get rid of the cap and fasten an abutment to place the artificial tooth.
Upon completion of the above process, you will have new, beautiful teeth and smile!
Osseointegration
The osseointegration process is responsible for providing support and strength to the implants. Once it is installed into the jawbone, the osseointegration process follows where the bone cells grow into the implant surface. When this happens, the implant unites with the bone and creates a naturally strong bond. It is a slow process that takes about two to six months for the implant and the jaw bone to unite completely.
How to care for your dental implants after surgery
Just like in any kind of operation, you can feel pain or some discomfort that goes away in the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Your Newport Smiles dentist will prescribe a pain medication to reduce the pain. You will also be told to apply moist heat.
- During the first few days, you can only eat soft foods and should avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. Use gentle strokes so as not to impair the stitches.
- Kill oral bacteria by using a special mouthwash.
- Rinse your mouth several times a day with saline water.
- Practice correct oral hygiene the way you do with your natural teeth once the gums have recovered. Brush two times daily and floss at least once a day to remove food caught between the teeth.
- Clean the hard-to-reach areas using special brushes and dental floss
- Special brushes and floss can help you clean the hard-to-reach parts of the dental implants.
- These implants will last you a lifetime with proper hygiene and care.
- With good care and hygiene, they can last the rest of your life.
