What to Expect After a Dental Implant Procedure

Dr. Ash Sagar
factors that affect the healing of dental implants

A beautiful smile can be your signature accessory. However, it’s hard to put on your best smile every day knowing that you have tooth decay, missing teeth, or giant, visible gaps in your mouth.

Dental implant surgery has become a routine treatment in dentistry and is generally considered a safe surgical procedure with a high success rate. Well, it’s time to wave a farewell to your dental problems! Our friendly team at Narre Warren Dental Care can help you achieve your dream smile.

Continue reading on this blog post as it can give you a glimpse of what to expect after dental implant surgery. So, read on to find out more!

different types of dental implants 2

Dental implant recovery is a process that takes time. It usually takes a few hours to recover from anesthesia, after which you will be able to go home. During the following days after surgery, you should anticipate some discomfort. You may encounter a variety of non-complication symptoms. These could include:

Your stitches should dissolve within a few days, but it may take up to two weeks to altogether remove them. Your mouth should begin to feel normal after the first week when the pain and inflammation have subsided. It is essential to maintain good dental hygiene throughout the implant healing process.

What are the Possible Complications of Dental Implant Surgery?

As with any dental treatment, dental implant treatment involves some risks. However, problems are rare, and they are typically minor and quickly resolved when they happen. Listed below are the possible complications of dental surgery:

Who Should Perform Dental Implant Surgery

Essentially, there are three types of dental implant providers: general or cosmetic dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists.

By fully comprehending what these titles signify, anyone seeking dental implant implantation can make an informed decision about who should do the surgery. While each specialist has a high success rate with dental implant insertion, one may be preferable to the other in some instances.

Dentist

Dentists are likely to determine whether dental implants are necessary. Dentists, in general, are increasingly recommending dental implants over other solutions such as temporary dentures.

Cosmetic dentists are primarily concerned with enhancing an individual’s smile appearance, which means they are also very likely to advocate dental implant implantation, which seems far more natural than alternative tooth replacement choices.

Most dentists are trained to install dental implants and may be able to complete the procedure without the assistance of a third party.
On the other hand, dentists may be less trained than oral surgeons or periodontists in completing dental implant insertion.

Oral surgeon

Because oral surgeons are specialists in oral surgery, they are likely the safest option for dental implant installation. As a result, anyone concerned about the operation may rest assured that they are in good hands with an oral surgeon performing it.

An oral surgeon will almost certainly be required if bone grafts are required before fusing the implants to the jawbone, as they are more trained in bone grafting procedures than dentists and periodontists.

With that stated, an oral surgeon is not always required, as the procedure is relatively straightforward. Frequently, practising dentists are also oral surgeons. To determine whether an oral surgeon is required for dental implant installation, consult with your dentist about all available choices.

Periodontist

Dental implants are placed by inserting the implant into the gums and connecting it to the jawbone. Following that, periodontists, who specialize in the supporting structures of teeth, are often reasonably competent at successfully placing dental implants.
Since periodontists often have more specialized training in dental implant placement, they may be required to assist with the procedure rather than a dentist performing it alone.

How to Minimize Negative Side Effects of Dental Implants

side effects of dental implants

Along with pain, the patient may experience swelling and bruising after the dental implant procedure. These side effects have minimal discomfort and should diminish within three to four days of surgery. Typically, the dentist will provide instructions and prescribe medication to aid in healing time and the recovery of implants.

Tips to consider:

Patients can alleviate swelling and discomfort following dental implant surgery in various ways.

For at least 48 hours following the surgery, refrain from strenuous exercise. Increased bleeding, discomfort, and swelling can occur due to an elevated heart rate. Waiting a few days before beginning hard chores or exercise is advised.

Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs.

Some over-the-counter pain medications and herbal supplements may affect blood clotting and result in further bleeding. Patients should consult their dentist to determine which drugs are safe to use following dental implant installation.

Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling.

Following surgery, patients can apply a cold compress to the cheek area near the implant’s location. After 15 minutes, remove the ice pack and wait another 20 minutes. Intermittent application of ice packs can aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain.

All medications should be taken exactly as directed.

The dentist will undoubtedly prescribe certain medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics. Additionally, they may recommend that you obtain over-the-counter drugs to reduce discomfort and swelling. To keep pain and other adverse effects to a minimum, patients must take all medications prescribed by the dentist.

Avoid meals that are hard, crunchy, or tough.

After surgery, it is best to avoid foods like nuts and popcorn and stick to a soft food diet.

Maintain proper oral hygiene.

While it may be difficult to brush or floss near the implant site for many days following the procedure, it is critical to keep the region clean. Typically, the dentist will recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural, healthy teeth are the most acceptable substitute for dental implants. If you’ve been considering getting a dental implant or want to learn more about them, we’ve compiled a list of the benefits of doing so. These include:

Can Everyone Have Dental Implants?

Generally, everyone healthy enough to undergo standard tooth extractions or oral surgery is a candidate for a dental implant. The patient’s gum tissue should be healthy, and there should be sufficient bone to support the implant. Additionally, they must be committed to maintaining proper oral hygiene and scheduling frequent dental checkups. Individuals who are heavy smokers, have uncontrolled chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease or have had head and neck radiation therapy should be reviewed individually. Consult your dentist if you’re considering implants to determine if they’re the best course of action for you.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

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It doesn’t matter how many dental implants you have. It would be best if you still visited the dentist every six months. The reason is that, even if you only have dental implants and no natural teeth left, you still need regular cleanings and check-ups. If you have dental implants, your dental hygienist will follow a different regimen to clean them up. And instead of checking your implants for cavities, your dentist will examine your gums for any signs of gum disease, as well as any symptoms of an infection of dental implants called peri-implantitis.

Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?

Dental implants have been proven safe and effective at replacing teeth for over thirty years when appropriately performed. Dental implants are constructed of biocompatible materials. They serve as a solid and sturdy foundation for dental implants. Dental implants are generally considered safe for adults with sufficient bone to support the implant.

Furthermore, dental implants may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the aging senior population. Medically stable seniors may benefit from osseointegrated implant surgery, enhancing oral hygiene, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Teenagers are frequently unsuitable candidates for dental implants due to their continued bone growth and development. Dental implants, which are small titanium rods surgically implanted into the jawbone, can fall out if placed before the jawbone has fully developed. Given the complexity of the dental implant operation, many oral surgeons and dentists prefer to wait until the bones have fully matured and grown. Waiting permits the bones to solidify and become fully prepared for the dental implant to be placed effectively.

In addition, dental implants are not safe for patients with systemic disorders, making them ineligible for the procedure. Uncontrolled diabetes, blood coagulation issues, cancer, and immune system failure are only a few of the illnesses. On the other hand, dental implant surgery can be safe and predictable when a medical condition is adequately managed, with a complication rate equivalent to that of healthy individuals. This is fantastic news for folks who require tooth replacement or prefer a more permanent option to a complete denture.

Final Thoughts

While the thought of dental implant surgery may sound frightening, there’s nothing to worry since it is thoroughly prepared by a team of dental specialists using the latest dental technologies, and it may be considered a simple procedure that is relatively quick and easy.

At Narre Warren Dental Care, we are committed to assisting our patients in achieving their perfect smiles. If you are considering dental implant surgery, we will work with you to ensure that you understand both the dental procedure and the measures necessary to guarantee a successful recovery. Connect with us right now at +61 3 8771 4038 to have a wonderful dental experience!

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

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