Teeth implants are a big part of the dental transformation. However, the recovery process after the initial surgery also dramatically affects the implant’s stability and long-term functionality. Let’s break down the dental implant recovery timeline to help you understand what you’re experiencing during your healing journey.
0–24 Hours After Surgery
Right after your dental implant surgery, you might feel some numbness from the sedation during the procedure. Expect a gauze pack on the implant site to encourage proper blood clot formation. While there might be some bleeding for the first 24 hours, it should ease off within the initial 1–2 hours.
As the sedation wears off, you may feel pain and discomfort, which are manageable with prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Resting and following your dentist’s advice on oral hygiene and diet is crucial so you can steer clear of strenuous activities.
1–3 Days After Surgery
During this period, discomfort, pain, and swelling may be present but will gradually decrease. Maintain a soft food diet and avoid direct contact with the implant site to minimize bleeding and the risk of blood clot dislodging. Lay off heavy exercise to prevent potential harm to the healing area.
3–7 Days After Surgery
Around the third day post-surgery, you can start introducing slightly firmer foods while avoiding hard and crunchy ones. You can begin light to moderate exercises again, but be mindful of any discomfort at the implant site. Maintain good oral hygiene, being cautious not to brush the implant site directly during this period.
1–2 Weeks After Surgery
At about two weeks post-surgery, you’ll have a follow-up with your dentist to check on the healing progress and remove non-dissolvable stitches. You can begin brushing the implant site directly and slowly reintroduce all types of food into your diet. However, it’s advisable to chew hard and crunchy foods on the opposite side of the mouth.
Beyond 2 Weeks
By this point, most patients notice significant improvement. The implant site, though still tender, should be fully healed. The implant will continue to mend and fuse with the jawbone in a few months, gradually completing the recovery process.
Put Your Best Smile Forward
Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution to restore your smile and improve oral health. Understanding the dental implant recovery timeline helps you track what you must do to ensure your implants heal correctly.
If you are considering getting dental implants or have questions, Aegis Dental Group can provide exceptional care and assistance. Schedule a consultation with us today and have a smile you can be proud of!