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Windsor Centre For Advanced Dentistry

Dental implant recovery

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that can restore missing or failed teeth. The surgery can take between 2 to 3 hours and dental implant recovery time is totally dependent on the patient and type of dental implant treatment. Typically most patients will feel quite normal after a week post-oral surgery.

The dental implant process in 3 easy steps

The first consultation

During your initial consultation at the Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry, one of our dental experts will speak with you about your expectations of dental implants, what you hope to achieve with the treatment, and whether or not dental implants would be a good fit for you. You’re also free to ask any questions you may have about the treatment, to give you the fullest picture possible.

Assessment and treatment plan

Before moving forward, your dentist will take an X-ray of your mouth to ensure you’re suitable for dental implants. If your bone structure is suitable, your dentist will also take a scan of your teeth, so they can produce the ideal-shaped replacement teeth uniquely suited to your mouth and smile. If any extra measures are required – such as bone grafts or sinus lifts – your dentist will discuss all the specifics with you.

The application of dental implants

Once all the fine details are out of the way, it’s time to have your dental implants applied. It may sound invasive, but it’s actually a very simple procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Your dentist will numb any relevant areas of your mouth before drilling small holes straight into the bone. Then, they will affix the implants which will hold your teeth in place, before stitching your gums back up.

 

How will I be affected by dental implant surgery? 

Recovery times from dental implant surgery can vary depending upon the individual case, the number of teeth affected, and aftercare. Usually, after 7-10 days a patient can return to their normal diet routine. In some cases, patients may be advised to stick to a soft diet for up to 6 weeks post-procedure.

99% of cases are treated under local anaesthetic in the dental surgery sometimes in combination with intravenous or oral sedation.

Recovery from simple dental implant surgery 

In the case of simple dental implant placement, with little or no bone grafting (for example to replace a single missing back tooth, or an immediate implant to replace a failing tooth) there is little or no post-operative discomfort or swelling. Patients will be able to continue life as normal with little inconvenience. A soft diet for a few days and careful brushing of the affected area may be all that is required.

Recovery from more complex dental implant surgery 

If there is a need to carry out any bone grafting or soft tissue grafting at the time of dental implant surgery then the swelling tends to be more pronounced. However, the dentist will advise the appropriate aftercare regime and medication to keep you comfortable.

What to expect during the dental implant healing time

Typically in most cases after initial surgery to place dental implants, there is some minor swelling, mild discomfort and occasionally bruising that lasts for a few days. However, this is well managed by medication and the post-operative management the dentist will prescribe.

How long does the pain last after a dental implant? 

This is fully dependent on the individual patient and how complex the dental implant procedure. After the first week, you should start to feel little to no pain. You should start to feel normal in the mouth around 1-2 weeks after.

How long before you can place the dental implant? 

Wherever possible we try to place the tooth implant immediately at the same time as tooth extraction, with a temporary tooth being fitted at the same time where necessary, and then the final crown or bridgework typically fitted around 3 months after implant placement. If an immediate tooth implant is not possible due to severe infection or bone loss, then implant placement is usually delayed between 6 weeks to 6 months so the extraction site can heal adequately. The length of time depends on the individual case. Bone regeneration and rebuilding is also often necessary and is usually done at the same time as implant placement.

 

 

Aftercare dental implant advice 

Like any type of surgery, you will need to rest, recover and allow yourself time out. Avoid anything that puts extra stress on the body. For optimum recovery post-dental implant surgery:

Post-operative instructions: 

The dentist will advice you how to clean your teeth during the healing phase, follow these instructions. 

  • It is advisable to eat soft food for a period of time (the dentist will advise how long).

  • There may be some swelling and bruising to the face. The dentist will provide some ice packs to help with this in the first 24 hours.

  • Avoid heavy exercise and take it easy for the first few days.
  • Avoid smoking as this impairs the healing and can negatively affect the implant and any bone graft.
  • Try to refrain from drinking alcohol. Both alcohol and smoking hinder your dental implant recovery time and healing process.
  • The dentist will advise and prescribe painkillers and antibiotics as necessary.
  • The dentist will advise and prescribe painkillers and antibiotics as necessary.
  • Your dentist will also be on hand to answer any questions and provide aftercare advice.

In addition, regular check-ups with your dentist will be required to ensure that the dental implants take in the best possible way. Any specific advice that affects dental implant recovery time will be provided at this time.

Call Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry 

At Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry, we provide high-end private dental treatments to provide patients with exceptional care and long-lasting dentistry. Located in Windsor, we are a dental practice that provides dental implant treatment to Windsor and surrounding areas.

Take a look through our case studies or call us on 01753 833755 to understand more about our dental implant treatments. 

Windsor Centre For Advanced Dentistry takes patients from areas in and around Windsor, Henley, Datchet, Ascot, and more. If you are coming from overseas, we also offer dental consultations to patients from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Dental implants are most often made from titanium. A strong and durable yet lightweight metal, titanium is the ideal material to create dental implants because it is biocompatible – meaning it will not be rejected by the body or cause the body harm. Along with dental implants, titanium is also a popular choice for a number of other surgical implants, including joint replacements. To find out more about the materials involved in dental implants, get in touch today.

Generally speaking, dental implants last somewhere between 20 and 30 years, but their actual lifespan depends entirely on how well you care for both your implants, your new “teeth” and your oral hygiene as a whole. Your dentist will discuss with you the best practices to keep your implants in top conditions, to prolong their lifespan, so be sure to heed their advice.

The first dental implant made from titanium was successfully fitted all the way back in 1965. Astonishingly, they were a remarkable success and lasted for approximately forty years in the patient. Since then, titanium may have remained the metal of choice for dental implants, but the procedure itself has improved alongside general dental practices and dental technology. Today, dental implants remain one of the most popular – and safest – ways to reinvigorate smiles all over the world.

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