Dental Implant Recovery Process Facts

A dental implants procedure is one of the most popular treatment options for replacing lost teeth or stabilizing an existing tooth. The procedure takes 2-3 hours through two 2-3 different phases to complete. However, the total time it takes for this procedure to complete recovery includes considerable healing time and the time needed for osseointegration.

Here are a few things you should know about the dental implant recovery process.

Dental Implant General Recovery Time

It usually takes 5-7 days for all the symptoms to diminish after dental implant surgery. However, the recovery time varies from patient to patient due to factors like:

• The number of implants you’ve had
• Whether your procedure requires bone grafting
• Whether your jawbone is healthy enough to accommodate implants

What to Expect in the First Hour After Surgery

Gauze packs will be placed over the surgical area immediately after the procedure. You should bite down on the gauze pack gently but firmly for about one hour to prevent bleeding. You can change the gauze after every 30 to 45 minutes until active bleeding stops.

Activities After Dental Implant Surgery

You should take bed rest for the first day. Lifting, bending, or strenuous exercise can aggravate bleeding, pain, and swelling. Be careful when rising from a lying position. Quickly standing up will make you feel lightheaded.

You should avoid exercise for the first 3-4 days. Exercise in the first few days can lead to increased bleeding, pain, and swelling.

Dental Implant Recovery Diet

It’s important to avoid direct contact with your implant for as long as possible. That means you should avoid hard foods until the area is completely healed. Focus on eating soft foods and try to chew on the healthy side of your mouth.

Good foods after surgery include:

• Baked beans
• Bananas
• Avocado
• Fish
• Eggs
• Oatmeal
• Healthy Juice

Hard foods like nuts, apples, and chips should be avoided. Acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes, and lime are also not suitable for you.

Summing up, it’s also worth noting that pain can be severe within the first 6 hours after the local anesthesia wears off. Fortunately, you’ll typically have a prescription for pain management.