January 13th, 2023
You just can’t get on board with a bridge or dentures and you are considering a dental implant. You’ve made a good choice! Dental implants are by far the most permanent solution and the only option that replaces tooth roots. This provides a more stable foundation and will prevent you from losing bone in the future, which can cause multiple problems.
Since dental implants must be placed surgically, there will be a recovery period.
The Surgical Process
Dental implants have 3 steps. First the implant is surgically placed by your oral surgeon. Next an abutment is added. The abutment will connect to the third step, which is the prosthesis. Once the prosthesis is added, your restoration is complete.
The Healing Process
You may have some bruising, swelling, or tenderness but this can usually be managed well with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your doctor may release you to return to work the next day. Strenuous activity will have to be avoided, as will eating foods that can irritate the area. Within a couple of weeks you should be feeling nearly back to normal.
Osseointegration
Even though you will seem normal in a couple of weeks, you must remember that beneath the gum line a healing process continues . It’s called osseointegration, and it occurs when your jawbone and your implant fuses together to form a foundation of support. The process of osseointegration can take a few months and it’s important not to rush this process, as it can make the difference between a successful dental implant placement and dental implant failure.
Abutment and Prosthesis
The next step is abutment placement. A small incision is made in order to access your dental implant, so there is another two weeks of recovery time to allow your gums to heal. Once the gum tissue has healed, your restoration can be placed!
That said, the whole process can take 3 to 6 months, and possibly longer in some cases. You will be left with a solution that is the closest you can get to a natural tooth. Patients are very happy about that!
If you have any questions about the process, please call any of our Rockcliff offices (phone numbers listed on the website.
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