How Long Is the Recovery Process for Implants?
 At Oregon Periodontics, P.C., we provide dental implants for your tooth replacement needs. This modern treatment has quickly gained popularity and offers some amazing benefits. Implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They are strong and secure. They are also easy to care for. In addition to all of these benefits, dental implants also stop bone loss in the jaw and prevent new bone loss from occurring. Unlike other treatments for replacing missing teeth, implants require surgery for placement. Small incisions are made in the gums and holes are drilled into the jawbone. Because implants require surgery, there is a recovery period after.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The exact length of time that it takes to recover after dental implant surgery varies from patient to patient. Typically, however, recovery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Some patients experience a longer recovery process. There are several factors that determine the length of your recovery. The number of dental implants placed in your jaw is one of the biggest factors involved. The more implants you have, the longer it will take you to recover. If you need a bone graft before receiving dental implants, this also plays a role. A bone graft is a surgical procedure that is performed when you do not have sufficient bone mass remaining in your jaw to support the titanium posts. The graft is a surgical procedure designed to restore missing bone mass, and this procedure requires several months of recovery as well.
The Process of Osseointegration
As you heal from dental implant surgery, your jawbone begins to fuse to the titanium posts. This is a process known as osseointegration. In this process, the posts stabilize within your jaw, becoming strong posts that securely hold your replacement teeth in place. Osseointegration is not instant. Instead, it occurs gradually during the course of your recovery, and the process cannot be sped up. It generally takes about 6 months for your posts to completely integrate with your jaw. During the course of your recovery, you attend several follow-up appointments. At these appointments, we make sure that your bone is fusing properly. After you have fully healed, we can then begin the process of placing your permanent replacement teeth.
What Can Adversely Affect Recovery?
After surgery, you are provided with aftercare instructions. These instructions help you to deal with common postsurgical issues and are designed to help you avoid complications. It is important that you follow these instructions. There are a few different issues that can adversely affect your ability to heal properly.
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If you smoke or use other tobacco products. These products slow the ability of your body to heal and increase your risk of infection.
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Alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can interfere with the ability of your blood to coagulate.
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What you eat. It is recommended that, in the early stages of recovery, you avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, chewy, and sticky. Instead, you should opt for soft foods. It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet and do not skip meals, as proper nutrition is crucial for proper healing.
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Poor oral hygiene practices. Maintaining good oral hygiene during your recovery is essential for proper healing. If you do not take care of your mouth, bacteria can impede your ability to heal and even cause implant failure. |
While the exact length of your recovery will vary based on your specific situation, the successful osseointegration of the posts into your jaw will leave you with strong, stable new teeth that are designed to last a lifetime. For more information, call Oregon Periodontics, P.C. today at (503) 575-7750. |
