Dental implants serve as anchors for dental prosthetics, otherwise known as artificial teeth. The placement of dental implants is a minor oral surgery. The implants are placed in the jaw where they can fuse with the bone to form a bond that takes the place of a natural tooth root.
If you have an upcoming appointment for dental implant surgery, you may be wondering what to expect after the procedure. Here’s what you need to know in order to be fully prepared.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. An implant is shaped like a screw and placed in the jaw where it fuses with the bone. A single implant can support a crown to replace one tooth at a time. Multiple dental implants can be placed in the jaw to support dental bridges or dentures.
What To Expect:
Here is a guide to the recovery and healing period after dental implant surgery:
- Immediately after. How you will feel after surgery depends on the type of anesthesia used. Many patients can receive dental implants with just local anesthesia, meaning you may feel numb in your mouth and face for 30 minutes to an hour or more after the procedure. If you have additional anesthesia for sedation, you may feel sleepy or groggy afterwards and need to be driven home by a trusted caregiver.
- In the first 24 hours. While your mouth is still numb it is safest to consume only liquids. Once the numbness wears off you can eat a soft diet while your gums and jaw heal. You may take over the counter pain medication or any medication prescribed by your dentist for this procedure.
- After 48 hours. After the first 48 hours you can resume a regular diet according to your level of comfort. It may be best to avoid chewing in the area where your implant was placed.
- After one week. A week after your procedure you should be back to normal. If you have any sutures they will most likely have dissolved naturally by this time. Eating normally is fine as long as you are comfortable doing so.
- In the following months. In the weeks and months following your dental implant surgery, the bone tissue will integrate with the dental implant and develop a secure bond. Once the implant and bone have successfully fused together, the abutment and dental prosthetic can be attached. The entire process could take up to 16 weeks.
Why Choose Glassman Dental Care for Dental Implant Surgery?
The recovery period following dental implant surgery is somewhat affected by the procedure itself. Glassman Dental Care provides dental implant surgery using the least invasive methods possible for faster recovery. With the help of technology as well as experience, your dental implants will have the greatest chance of success.
To learn more, call 212-787-4860 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Surgery
Can dental implant surgery be done in one day?
The surgical procedure to place dental implants can be done in a single appointment. In some cases patients are able to receive their complete restoration at the same time, giving them a fully functional permanent set of teeth on the same day.
Will I be put to sleep for dental implant surgery?
Dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia in most cases, meaning you will remain awake and conscious. However, if you are uncomfortable or anxious about the procedure, sedation can be provided to help you relax and be less aware of what is going on.