The dental implant process contains many steps, making it feel daunting for some patients. Each part of the process is important to the longevity and function of your final results, but one of the most crucial portions is the dental implant placement. To learn more about what to expect both during and after surgery, continue reading below.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
After your dental implants have been surgically placed within your mouth, the longest waiting period you’ll need to go through in your entire treatment will be the recovery and osseointegration time. This typically takes place over the course of three to six months, allowing time for your implant posts to fuse with your jawbone to provide your replacement teeth with a strong foundation to be attached to.
Will You Need to Take Off of Work?
The dental implant placement procedure is relatively minor, so you won’t need to worry about taking several days off of work to recover. In fact, many patients are able to return to their jobs, depending on how physically demanding they are, the very next day after their surgery. If you have a job that requires physical exertion, you will want to clear your return date with your dental implant dentist in DuPont beforehand to minimize your risk of experiencing complications.
What Can You Eat After Surgery & When?
In the days following your dental implant surgery, your gums will be sore and likely swollen. To help manage your post-operative discomfort, be sure to avoid foods that are tough to chew, sticky, and crunchy, as these can place pressure on the surgical site as well as cause irritation. Instead, stock your refrigerator and pantry with plenty of soft foods, including smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and the like. You should check-in with your dentist before beginning to eat solid foods again, as every patient’s recovery timeline is different.
How Long Until Your Replacement Teeth Will Be Attached?
After you have finished healing from your surgery and your implants have fused with your jawbone, the next step is to attach your abutments. These are small, metal connector pieces that clasp onto the top of your implant posts, designed to hold the restoration in place. There will be a short recovery time after about two weeks following this. Then, once your dentist receives your custom-crafted replacement teeth in their office, the final step is to attach them to your implants and complete your smile!
If you have any additional questions about what to expect during or after your dental implant surgery, never hesitate to contact your provider. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information that’s tailored to your unique case.
About the Practice
Our dentists at DuPont Family Dentistry, Drs. John Ludu and Rhenu Sharma, partner with local specialists to make the implant process easy and hassle-free. From the consultation to the completion of your smile, our dentists will remain by your side the whole time, curating your journey and providing you with the best results possible. For questions or to schedule a dental implant consultation, visit DuPont Family Dentistry’s website or call 253-964-7000.