3 Phases of Recovering from Dental Implants – How Long Does it Take?

To qualify for teeth implants, you need to have a healthy and strong jaw bone since they are anchored in the mouth. Therefore, if you do not have sufficient bone mass in the jaw, bone graft surgery is performed before the dental implant procedure.

Although the oral surgeon can opt for a combination they deem better, generally, it happens in three stages. First, the implant post is placed in the jaw, followed by 3 to 6 months of recovery. Then, the abutment is placed, and there is a break of around 2 weeks, allowing you to heal. Lastly, the crown is attached to the top of the abutment. In short, on average, the entire teeth implant process takes around 4 to 7 months.

Phase 1
It is probable that you will feel mild discomfort and tingling sensations in the initial 24 hours. Moreover, recovering from the first step of the dental implant procedure will include soreness, bruising, swelling, and slight bleeding. Sometimes, dizziness, nausea, and blurry vision also take place. Gradually, the symptoms will improve; contact a dental specialist otherwise.

While you are recovering from the dental implants procedure, the following might help:

• Brushing teeth after 24 hours at least.
• Lukewarm saltwater rinses.
• Replacing the gauze as needed.
• Avoiding mouthwash.
• Cold compresses for 20 minutes, with 20-minute intervals throughout the day.

The Waiting Period
Once you have recovered from the immediate discomfort after a dental implant placement, you’ll no longer be required to follow eating or oral care restrictions. But your jawbone needs time to fuse with the titanium part of the implant in a process called osseointegration. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on your dental bone and other factors.

Over the next few months, the implant specialist will test the stability of the dental implant as well as regularly monitor your progress. When they are sure that the dental implant is ready, your oral surgeon will proceed to the next step of the teeth implant process.

Phase 2
After your recovery period comes to an end, it is time to place the abutment. Since it involves creating an incision in your gums, you will probably experience pain and soreness that subsides within a week or two.

While recovering from the dental implant process, you should follow a soft foods diet for a few days or until your dentist recommends it. Two weeks later, your dental specialist will place the permanent crown; each will not cause any discomfort other than tenderness in the gums.

Initially, depending on the bone quality and the size of the implants, dental implant recovery lasts 7 to 10 days. However, it takes around 3 to 6 months for the titanium to fully fuse with your jaw. Other factors, too, impact dental implant recovery, such as:

• If you have a single tooth implant or multiple
• Whether the implant was placed in the lower arch or the upper.
• Was bone grafting required before dental implant surgery (since it can increase the recovery time) ?
• What your oral lifestyle habits include
• How long your body takes to heal due to age, genetics, other health conditions, etc?

The dental implant procedure is the most effective tooth replacement option, but it also has the longest recovery time. All in all, recovering from dental implants can take around 6 months! And if you had to undergo a bone graft, you’ll require more time for healing. But with an expert implant specialist, the process will be smooth, and the waiting will be worth it! Contact ACE Dental of Bellmead today by dialing (254) 276-8800 and consulting the top dental experts you can find. You can also meet us at 901 North I-35 Frontage Road Bellmead, TX 76705!