Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
Tooth loss can lead to dental health issues as well as problems with the aesthetics of your smile. Getting dental implants can help address these issues associated with missing teeth. Dr. Byron J. Nordhus has helped numerous patients in the Wichita, KS area by using crowns, bridges, and dentures supported by dental implants.
After the implants are in place, patients will face a recovery process that will take some time. The team at Nordhus Dentistry would like to go over the basics of the healing process when dental implants have been placed.
What to Expect After Oral Surgery
After oral surgery, patients can expect to feel sore and a little groggy. This is the result of the local anesthetic and sedation wearing off. Patients should get rest after their oral surgery and avoid any strenuous physical activity.
Should I Take Time Off from Work?
That depends. Some dental implant patients are able to return to work the next day. If you have a physically demanding job or a profession that could put strain on your mouth and jaw, you may want to take a little bit of time off to heal up.
During the implant dentistry consultation process at our Wichita dental care center, we will be sure to discuss if you should take some time off from your job, and how much time is reasonable.
Side Effects After Dental Implant Surgery
Some of the most common side effects after dental implant surgery include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling along the gumline
- Bruising around the gumline
- Swelling around the cheek
- Sensitivity near the treatment area
These are all normal side effects and will gradually improve as the healing process progresses. Pain can be dealt with using prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter medications taken as directed. The soreness as well as the swelling can also be managed by using a cold compress against your cheek. Leave the compress on for about 15-20 minutes and take it offer for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this pattern as needed.
Altering Your Diet Early in the Healing Process
To help reduce discomfort and avoid complications with treatment, patients are instructed to eat a diet consisting of soft foods and liquids. Avoid foods that are crispy, crunchy, or chewy to reduce stress on the jaw. Also be sure to avoid any foods with crumbs or tiny seeds as these can get caught along incision areas and may be difficult to remove.
Patients should avoid using drinking straws during the early days of healing. The suction can undo stitches and negatively impact blood clots.
Attend All Follow-Up Visits
You will have several follow-up visits after getting dental implants placed. This will be to monitor the healing process and make sure the procedure was a success. Be sure to attend all of these visits as scheduled.
Returning to Normal Activities
Most patients are able to return to normal activities about a week or so after the dental surgery. You may still be told to avoid using drinking straws just to be on the safe side. Be sure to follow all recommendations regarding what you can and cannot do in the weeks after surgery.
The Process of Osseointegration
Over the course of several months, a process of osseointegration must occur. This is the process in which the dental implants fuse with the jawbone. Only when this process is completed can the dental implants properly support a crown, bridge, or denture.
How Long Does the Full Treatment Take?
The implant dentistry process takes about six months to a year to complete. This can vary from patient to patient, and could require more time if bone grafting or gum augmentation are required.
We’ll go over the estimated treatment time for your dental implant procedure during the consultation at our Wichita practice.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about implant dentistry and how it can benefit you, contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can schedule a consultation at Nordhus Dentistry by phone at (316) 721-6730.
