Are you considering getting dental implants? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. At Retter Dental Care, we field inquiries about dental implants all the time. Often, our patients are more concerned with the recovery process than the procedure itself. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the recovery process post dental implants.
Every Individual is Unique
Before we take a deep dive into the recovery process, it’s important to understand that each patient is unique. Moreover, each dental implant is unique, as well. This means—even if you’ve had a dental implant in the past—a future implant could cause you a shorter or longer recovery period. Be sure to talk to your dentist about any questions or concerns you might have before the procedure begins.
Elements That Affect Recovery Time
The more teeth you have implanted, the longer your recovery time will likely be. If you’re receiving a single dental implant, in normal circumstances, you should expect to recover much quicker than someone who’s receiving multiple implants.
If your surgery requires bone grafting, that will also lengthen the time for proper healing. As a cosmetic dentist Montreal patients trust, we see this fairly regularly. Bone grafting might be necessary if you have weakened gum tissue or bone loss, which can subsequently cause the jaw bone to become too weak to hold the anchor of an implant. Bone grafts can take place in several ways, including:
- Using a piece of your own existing bone, usually from the hip or back of the jaw
- Bone sources provided from a donor
- Animal bone sources
- Synthetic materials
If you need bone grafting, you’ll need to allow time for tissue regeneration as the bone and gum tissue grow together to form a substance firm enough to hold the implant in place.
How to Help the Healing Process
To expedite the healing process as much as possible, heed these tips:
- Don’t smoke. While smoking is unhealthy in any situation, it’s particularly damaging after dental implant surgery because smoke irritates the gums and can cause dry mouth, which can ultimately lead to a growth of bacteria and infections.
- Don’t drink alcohol.
- Brush regularly. Your implants will act as your own natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss them at least twice a day.
If you’re searching for the cosmetic dentist Montreal patients love and trust, you’ve come to the right place. Schedule your initial appointment with our Retter Dental Care team today!
