The placement of a dental implant is a serious medical procedure: it is a surgical intervention inside your mouth, one of the parts of the human body most often in active use.
However, your South Shore dentists at the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville are here to explain what to expect after this procedure and the steps towards a successful recovery.
How long will it take to heal?
It is impossible to give a precise recovery time, since cases and patients are different. However, there are some more general timelines that we can depend on in most cases.
Following your dentist’s recommendations will help ensure that your recovery period is as short as possible.
After the initial implant placement, there is usually a 5-to-7-day period during which the patient will suffer from surgery-related symptoms, such as:
- Bleeding
- Swelling of the affected area and adjacent areas
- Pain
These symptoms are perfectly ordinary and there is no reason to worry about them: they are simply signs that your body is taking the necessary steps to heal.
The other period to consider when placing an implant is the time between the initial procedure and the time when the artificial tooth will be fixed. In fact, it is better to wait until the gum has completely healed before placing the tooth on the implant.
In general, a period of 3 to 6 months should be allowed between the two operations to ensure that the procedure runs smoothly.
What is the diet like after the procedure?
Once the procedure is complete and you have your new dental implant, there will be no restrictions on the foods you can eat and enjoy.
However, during the recovery period, it is recommended that the patient should rather consume foods that are easier to eat in order to allow the gums to heal and the implant to properly attach to the bone.
You can still find a variety of foods in the recommended recovery diet. For example, you can eat:
- Mashed potatoes
- Flan
- Yogurt
- Soups, etc.
You will have no problem giving your body the nutrition it needs while allowing your mouth to heal properly.
In addition, other foods will quickly be added during your recovery, so this list is only the recommended foods for the first few days after the procedure.
What will the procedure change in my daily life?
Once the procedure is completed and your implant is placed, you should first feel the presence of the new tooth in your mouth.
This should help with chewing, but also possibly prevent future malocclusion problems.
Since a dental implant is a permanent solution if properly cared for, you should not notice any change in your routine, since it is done at the same time as your daily oral hygiene care.
If you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, you should keep your implant (and your natural teeth) healthy.
The recovery period may seem long, but it’s important to know that a dental implant is a permanent solution that you won’t notice any more once this healing is over.
How can I ensure a good recovery?
There are several things to avoid in order to promote a quick and effective recovery. After the implant is placed, one should avoid:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Poor diet, etc.
In addition, it is important to take care of your teeth and brush regularly.
You should also avoid energetic physical activity for a few days after the surgery, simply to avoid dislodging the blood clot and causing bleeding.
Finally, rest is important for the human body when recovering from injury or trauma and you should allow your body the time it needs to get well from this procedure.
As long as you take your recovery seriously, you should not fear the dental implant procedure and the healing period associated with it.
At the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville, we will be there to guide you through this process, but also to offer you the care and advice you need for any other oral health problems. Make an appointment with us today!