Dental implant surgery is beneficial to oral health, but the procedure can be invasive and usually requires a recovery period. Knowing what to expect and how to care for your mouth during the healing process is the best way to reduce recovery time and avoid potential problems like infection.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY TIME FOLLOWING DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
Sources offer different opinions on average recovery time following implant surgery; the truth is, recovery time depends on a number of factors, and so will be different for every patient.
Factors contributing to the length of recovery time include:
- Whether the patient smokes/uses tobacco
- Number of implants received
- Whether the patient is diabetic
- Bone mass of patient’s jaw
- How closely the patient follows after-care instructions
As with any surgical procedure, the more rest a patient gets, and the healthier a diet they follow, the better their chances of having a relatively fast, complication-free recovery.
Recovery time following dental implant surgery can range from a few days to as long as six months or even more, depending on the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and their willingness to follow the dentist’s after-care instructions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During the first twenty-four hours following implant surgery, swelling, bleeding, and pain are likely. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the dentist may prescribe painkillers to help manage the pain.
A patient may also experience dizziness or nausea following implant surgery. A slight fever is also to be expected in some cases.
For the next few days, a patient is likely to experience continued swelling, discomfort, and possibly even pain. During this time, the patient should continue taking any pain medication as prescribed or use an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Within a few days of surgery, it’s recommended a patient return to their usual oral-health regimen. Though the teeth and gums will still be sensitive, brushing stimulates blood flow, which facilitates recovery. Of course, it’s essential to keep the mouth especially clean during the healing process. Avoid rinsing with mouthwash for the first few days; use a salt-water mixture instead.
Smoking or using any tobacco products is one of the worst things a patient can do during the healing process. It’s recommended that a patient who smokes abstain for a minimum of one week following surgery. Smoking during recovery, especially early recovery, can lead to complications, including infection and even implant failure.
There are many benefits to having dental implant surgery, from improved oral health to the confidence that comes with having an attractive smile. It’s a surgical procedure, though, and can be invasive, depending on the state of a patient’s oral health and the number of implants to be affixed, among other things.
If you’re considering implant surgery and have any questions or concerns, consult an expert like the doctors at Shine Dental Group in Syosset. Contact us today at 516-271-0760 or use our online form to request an appointment today.
