Getting a dental implant in Jefferson City, MO, is a crucial step in getting your smile back, but there’s actually another critical part of your implant care: the healing and recovery after your implants are placed. We want to help you understand what the recovery process will look like as your implant develops a bond to your jawbone at Capital City Dentistry.
What Happens After The Implant Procedure?
In the first few days after implant surgery, your body will heal the tissue in that area, starting the healing process that will result in your implant staying stable.
Common healing after implant placement may include:
- Mild swelling of the area around the implant
- Some pain or discomfort that gets better
- Some bleeding in the first 24 hours
- Temporary tenderness when eating or chewing
These symptoms are usually mild and subside within a few days.
After implant placement, your healing will be progressive, with each step contributing to the long-term success of your implant. All patients heal at different rates, but a typical implant procedure will include the following:
- The first week: Healing of soft tissue and reducing inflammation
- The next few weeks: Continued healing and healing of the gums surrounding your implant
- Over the next few months: Healing of the implant into your jawbone
- After healing is complete, you will get your final restoration
Although this process can seem a bit tedious, it is necessary to establish a strong, long-lasting implant.
Understanding Osseointegration & Long-Term Healing
A large part of your healing after dental implant placement is osseointegration. This is a natural healing process that helps fuse your implant with your jawbone to achieve stability.
Why osseointegration is important:
- It stabilizes the implant in the jawbone, much like a natural root
- Evenly distributes bite and chewing forces in the mouth
- Enables your implant to function and last over time
- Preserves and supports the jawbone structure of a missing tooth
Osseointegration ensures your dental implant will be as comfortable, long-lasting, and predictable as a natural tooth root.
Protecting Your Implant In Recovery
During the recovery time, there are things you can do to protect your implant and help it heal correctly and avoid potential problems.
Some helpful aftercare tips:
- Listen to your implant dentistry team about care instructions
- Eat soft foods for the initial recovery
- Be mindful of keeping the area clean and avoid too much pressure
- Keep your follow-up appointments so the team can track progress
These tips are important to your healing and help your dental implant to heal as planned.
How Will I Know My Implant Is Healing?
When healing from your implant, you may be wondering how you can tell you are making progress in your recovery. Only professional evaluations can verify if you are healing well; however, here are a few indicators of implant recovery:
- Reduced swelling or tenderness
- A comfortable gum tissue area around the implant site
- Returning to normal activities
- Good, steady healing, without lingering pain
As you heal, your dental implant will become better secured and able to support a permanent restoration for your dental health and comfort.
Supporting Your Implant After Implant Placement & Healing
After your implant has healed, there is ongoing treatment and aftercare to ensure the success and stability of your permanent implant and to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Some healthy practices to help your dental implants:
- Brush and floss daily as normal
- Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Treat signs of gum disease right away
- Avoid habits that put too much stress on restorations and teeth
Your healthy gums and bone can lead to strong and lasting implants.
Dental Implant Care At
Capital City Dentistry
At Capital City Dentistry, dental implant care is much more than the actual surgical placement day. You can count on our team to monitor your recovery, assist you through the aftercare process, and answer any questions you have on how your dental implant will heal and grow to become integrated with the jawbone. We want your permanent restoration to look natural, feel comfortable, and to contribute to good oral health and dental care now and for many years to come.
If you have more questions about dental implant treatment and recovery or if you are interested in receiving dental implants, give us a call today to talk with our team. To find out more information about your dental health or to schedule your visit, contact us now in Jefferson City, MO.