How Long Does the Teeth Implant Healing Phase Take?

Dental implants offer a long-term solution and stop bone loss. These teeth posts are made of a biocompatible titanium screw surgically fixed in the jawbone. The implants are often used with dental crowns (used to complete the treatment). However, a dentist near you can also use implants with bridges or dentures.

Dental implants are an effective replacement solution, but you need to be eligible to have them fixed. One of the primary requirements is sufficient bone support; you need to have enough bone density for the dentist to recommend the implants. Other factors of consideration are your oral health and dental habits.

How Long Does the Teeth Implant Procedure Take?

Getting dental implants in Dublin, CA, is done in several steps, and the treatment is spread over several months.

• Consultation and planning

The initial implant consultation lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, and the dentist will do a comprehensive assessment. He will examine your oral health, bone density, and your medical history to determine if dental implants are an ideal solution. The dentist discusses the different implant types and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

If you lack sufficient bone support, the dentist will recommend a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth. Bone grafting uses bone granules to support new bone growth. The procedure is done before the implant surgery, and it takes a few months for the jaw to be ready for the procedure.

• Implant procedure

The implant procedure takes about one to two hours, depending on the number of implants to be fixed. Our dentist in EL Dorado Hills, CA, makes incisions in the gums to access the jaw, drills the titanium screws and stitches the gums to facilitate healing.

• Osseointegration 

It is crucial for the implant procedure for the implant and the bone to fuse—this process is called osseointegration. If this process fails, the body may reject the implant, and the procedure fails.

• Fixing the abutment and the crown 

After the recovery is successful, the dentist will reopen the gums to attach the abutment– which connects the implant to the dental crown.

Finally, the dentist will either cement or screw the teeth crowns to complete the implant procedure.

What is the Average Recovery Time for Dental Implants?

The length of the recovery will depend on a few factors:

• The type of implant. The traditional implants are the endosteal and subperiosteal that follow the standard implant procedure. However, people with multiple or all teeth missing may need a filled arch replaced and different types of implants. The All-on-4 implants are used to fix multiple teeth and involve the use of four implants, two on each jaw. Because of the reduced number of implants used, the recovery time will be shorter.
• Additional procedures like bone grafting lengthen the recovery period. The grafting procedure is surgical; you need to heal and new bone forms, which can add six months to your recovery time.
• Your body’s response to the dental implant can also affect the healing time. However, the recovery time can take about six to nine months.

How to Speed Up Your Dental Implant Recovery Process

You can speed up the implant recovery process using several factors like:

• Oral hygiene 

After the implants are fixed, maintaining oral hygiene is the best way to prevent an infection. It is crucial to brush your teeth, but you should hold off for the first 24 hours. Afterward, you can use a soft-bristled brush to clean the area and rinse the mouth with saline water.

• Take the medication as recommended.

Our dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA, will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to ease the discomfort and prevent infection.

• Eat soft foods 

The gums will be sore after the procedure, and it is advisable to eat soft foods and avoid spicy ones. This will prevent gum irritation and facilitate healing.

Schedule an Appointment

You can expect to feel soreness and discomfort in the first few days following the implant procedure. However, visit Restore Smiles Dental if you experience intense pain, fever, or dizziness.