The recovery process is one of the most common concerns in getting dental implants. Will it be painful? When do I eat? What can I do after the procedure?
A recent study on patients’ perceptions of dental implant recovery revealed general recovery in four days after dental implant placement. You may expect difficulties in eating and talking for a few days, but after a few weeks, you will eventually talk, eat, and smile with confidence!
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are widely popular in Australia, making them a permanent solution for missing and damaged teeth. Global Data highlights the popularity of implants in the country, with around 108,000 dental implants and abutment procedures in 2022 alone.
Many patients prefer dental implants over dentures and other solutions because of the following reasons:
Looks and Feels Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are fused to the jawbone; thus, they will never move, no matter how much you talk or eat. With the latest technology and materials used to make false teeth, it’s impossible to tell fake from natural teeth with implants.
May Last Longer
The most common dental implant systems are made from durable materials such as titanium and zirconium oxide. Materials like cobalt, gold and titanium-based alloys and ceramics are sometimes used. With correct maintenance, modern dental implants can last a lifetime.
Prevents Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone along the area relaxes. Eventually, the body breaks down the bone and reabsorbs it. By installing dental implants, you can prevent this from happening. Plus, you can preserve your facial features even as you grow older.
Will Not Affect Natural Teeth
Missing teeth cause tooth migration or movement of the remaining teeth towards the gap. Dental implants can prevent this from happening, thus preserving the stability of adjacent teeth.
Ease of Maintenance
Compared to dentures, dental implants are easier to maintain. You only need to brush and floss and use mouthwash to maintain implants, which is similar to how you keep natural teeth clean and healthy. On the other hand, dentures require brushing and soaking, and they can accidentally break, chip, or crack when incorrectly handled.
Dental implants restore your smile, appetite, and confidence. The key to having perfect implants is the best dentist, like Aesthetic Dental Clinic, which is an expert in providing high-quality dental implant services.
What to Expect Immediately After the Implant Surgery
What to expect after dental implant installation? Because of the effects of anaesthesia, you won’t feel any pain right after the procedure. Your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the surgical site to control any bleeding, which is normal, within one to two days.
As the effects of anaesthesia wear off, you will eventually feel some pain. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers such as ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. It would be best to take the day off from work to help with the healing process. Expect swelling and discomfort lasting from 3 to 7 days.
Swelling and pain lasting more than a week must be reported immediately. Contact Aesthetic Dental Clinic for implant recovery advice, including safe and effective swelling and pain relief.
Pain Management Strategies
There will be pain after the procedure. Your dentist will provide instructions on managing pain in dental implants, such as:
- Place a cold compress over your cheek to soothe and numb the surgical area for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications. Your dentist can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe the area and remove food debris, especially after eating.
- Stick to a soft diet to avoid placing any pressure on the site. Examples are yoghurt, oatmeal, and soups.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic provides personalised pain management strategies to help patients deal with pain safely and effectively.
Post-Operative Care and Hygiene
Following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care for dental implants can improve healing times and help avoid complications. Your dentist will tell you to:
- Brush and floss your natural teeth and avoid the implant site.
- Gargle with antibacterial mouthwash; do not use mouthwash that contains alcohol.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol to improve healing times.
- Visit your dentist regularly to inspect the implant site for healing and signs of infection.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic provides high-quality dental implant services, including follow-up appointments to guide you during the recovery process.
Diet and Nutrition During Recovery
Part of dental implant recovery is eating healthy foods and ensuring good nutrition, which helps you recover quickly. Here are excellent foods that you should include in your post-procedure menu:
- Fruit smoothies
- Cold soups
- Applesauce
- Natural fruit or vegetable juices
Weeks after the implant procedure, you can now add more soft foods to your diet, such as:
- Omelettes
- Cheese
- Yoghourt and milk
- Mashed potatoes
- Finely chopped chicken, beef or fish
- Oatmeal
- Steamed vegetables
- Pasta
Aesthetic Dental Clinic can help you with diet and nutrition post-procedure. Our dental team’s expertise can create a personalised menu to support healing and enhance overall oral health.
Activity Restrictions and Lifestyle Adjustments
To ensure successful healing of the implant site, you must limit your activities, especially a week after the procedure. Avoid strenuous physical activities and follow these tips:
- Do not drive or operate machinery up to a day after the procedure. Arrange for someone to pick you up from the dental clinic.
- Take a day off or return to work when you feel much better.
- Avoid picking up, carrying, pulling or pushing heavy objects.
- Avoid exercise for at least three days following the surgery.
Monitoring Your Progress: Follow-Up Care
Your dentist will ask you to come back for weekly and, eventually, monthly checks. They will evaluate the implant site, check for good healing and assess for infection. Aside from visually inspecting the surgical site, your dentist may conduct an X-ray to check for complications.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic focuses on continuous monitoring and support during the recovery phase. Our post-procedure checks ensure good healing and reduce complications.
Common Complications and How to Handle Them
Generally, dental implant procedures are safe and have little to no complications, especially when you practise good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular follow-ups. Here are the most common complications of dental implant surgeries.
- Poor Osseointegration occurs when the bone around the implant fails to grow. The implant may not be strong enough to hold the crown, so your dentist may remove it and recommend another option.
- Incorrect Placement of Implants—Dentists can make errors when installing implants, such as placing them near adjacent teeth or installing them loosely or painfully. When these happen, the implant must be removed and reinserted. You may get a different dentist to help you install your dental implants.
- Infection—Incorrect or poor dental hygiene after the procedure can lead to infections. Avoid this by following your dentist’s instructions and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
- Sinus Damage—The upper jaw is connected to the nasal sinuses, and there is a risk of dental implants piercing through them, which can lead to infections and pain.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic’s readiness and expertise in handling dental implant issues ensure complete reduction of complications and effective healing.
Starting Your Journey Towards a New Smile
With proper dental hygiene and regular checks, you can expect perfect healing of your dental implants. Implants remain the best long-term solution for tooth loss and tooth replacement. Contact Aesthetic Dental Clinic in Camden at (02) 4655 4438 to learn more about dental implant options.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic can help you regain confidence and self-esteem with the best dental implant treatment and care. Call us now with questions about implant recovery care and to learn more about our implant-supported dentures. Our expert dental health team will be ready to help you!
