How Long is the Recovery Process for Implants?

Mature man smiling after a quick recovery from dental implant treatment from Shenandoah Family Dentistry

Dental implants are a very popular, highly effective treatment used for replacing missing teeth. Implants involve the use of small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts as you heal, a gradual process known as osseointegration. The posts become stable roots that hold your new place firmly and securely in place. Shenandoah Family Dentistry provides dental implants to meet some different needs. Following implant surgery, there is a recovery period. However, just how long does it take?

How Long is the Recovery Process?

The time it takes to recover from implant surgery varies from patient to patient. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. The length of your recovery depends on several different factors. The number of implant posts that are placed in your jaw is one of the biggest factors that play a role in the length of your recovery. Generally, the more posts that are placed, the longer your recovery. The need for a bone graft before implant placement also plays a significant role. A bone graft is an additional surgery with its recovery process, which lengthens the process for getting your dental implants.

The Fusion of Your Jaw to Implant Posts

During your recovery, your bone gradually fuses to the implant posts. This is a completely natural process called osseointegration, and it secures the posts within your jaw. Your posts become strong, stable roots that can hold your replacement teeth firmly in place. It typically takes six months for your bone to fuse completely with the posts. Following your surgery, we schedule several follow up visits, which allow us to monitor your healing. We can ensure that you are healing properly and that there are no issues present. After you have healed from surgery, we can then take impressions to design and create, and then place your final dental restorations.

Factors that Can Impact Recovery

Immediately following the placement of your dental implants, we provide you with specific aftercare instructions. These instructions are given so that you know what to expect during recovery and how you can deal with common post-surgical issues. They also provide you with directions on how to avoid more serious complications. Following these instructions is important for ensuring a smooth recovery. Issues that can impact your recovery, and can cause serious complications, including:

•	Using tobacco products. Tobacco products can significantly slow your ability to heal. They can also affect your immune system, preventing your body from being able to effectively fight off infections. Cigarettes, in particular, can lead to a condition called dry socket. The act of inhaling on a cigarette can dislodge clots as surgical sites, leading an open wound that can easily collect bacteria.
•	Excessive alcohol consumption. Consuming too much alcohol can affect the ability of your blood to clot properly.
•	What you eat. Following surgery, you are recommended to stick to a diet of soft foods, especially in the early stages of recovery. Foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy can cause significant pain. You are also recommended to eat a well-balanced diet to ensure that your body gets all the essential nutrients it needs to heal properly.
•	Your oral hygiene practices. Taking care of your mouth is still important. Your instructions will help you to properly care for your mouth, especially around surgical wounds. Ignoring your oral hygiene can significantly increase your risk of developing infections.

Successful fusion of your jawbone to your implant posts turns the posts into stable roots that hold your new teeth securely into place. Call Shenandoah Family Dentistry to schedule your consultation today at (540) 667-8731.

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Shenandoah Family Dentistry

1705 Amherst St #102, Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: (540) 667-8731
Fax: (540) 662-5072

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Shenandoah Family Dentistry | www.winchestersmiles.com | (540) 667-8731
1705 Amherst St #102, Winchester, VA 22601