Dental Implants FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants and Recovery

Each implant surgery has its own particularities, and patients may experience a variety of issues following treatment. Majid Sehat DDS can explain more about your case during your consultation, but here we address some common questions and concerns.

What factors might affect how long the recovery process takes?

When you have an implant placed, your dentist can often place the implant without making an incision and load a temporary crown immediately. This almost eliminates downtime. But other factors come into play: the number and location of the implants, if you need a bone or soft tissue graft, if you require an incision (teeth that have been missing for a while), it will have to heal.

How can I help my implants heal as quickly and easily as possible?

While you are recovering, it is important to keep your mouth clean. It may be helpful to rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution during the first 24 hours after the procedure. After that, gently brush your teeth again. Take any medications that have been prescribed to you as directed by your dentist or surgeon.

What will the pain feel like?

Most implants are placed through small incisions in the gums and cause little or no pain. After your surgery, you will probably be prescribed pain medication and may take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Within a day or two of your procedure, you should feel better.

How do I get the nutrients I need?

You can eat soft foods for an hour after surgery. Avoid hot liquids and drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours, and stay away from anything that causes pain. After 24 hours, you can resume your regular diet, but avoid eating anything hard to chew or swallowing anything that causes discomfort.

What should you expect during your recovery?

You may have some discomfort after the procedure, but it should improve with each passing day. If you experience an increase in pain, please contact us. Some swelling near the site of the procedure is normal and should decrease over two or three days. Ice applied to the face and an anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen) can help decrease swelling and discomfort. You may experience some dizziness or nausea due to the medications or swallowing blood, but this should subside within 24 hours after cessation of those medications.

When will you fully recover?

The time it takes for a person's mouth to fully heal after dental implant surgery depends on several factors, including how many implants were placed, whether any bone or soft tissue grafts were required, the patient's age and general health, and the patient's hygiene routine.

Will smoking affect my dental implants?

After your dental implants are placed, it is best to avoid smoking for at least one week. Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to infection, which could jeopardize the success of your implant surgery.

What is the best office in Dallas to get dental implants?

Want to learn more about dental implants in Dallas and what they can do for you? Visit Dr. Sehat at Dentalogy in Irving,TX and learn more about all the services they offer in Dallas, TX. With over 20 years of experience in the dental industry, Dr. Sehat is a great resource for anyone looking for dental implants in the DFW area.