Many people might be scared of the thought of getting dental implants, but sometimes having a conversation with a professional can help you better understand the process of getting dental implants, what to expect and how to manage it. Hopefully, this article will also help you ease some of your fears.
Dental implants refer to a surgical procedure that replaces an entire tooth, including the root, with metal posts and dental crowns. This procedure is done when the natural tooth and root have been severely damaged, and it cannot be saved through other dental procedures.
The healing process can differ from person to person as it depends on many factors, such as:
It's important to note that it's normal to feel discomfort, soreness, and tenderness around the implant site during the healing process, but these symptoms should go away gradually. In case the pain gets worse or you don’t start feeling it subsiding, please contact your dentist so they can check your implants. Your dentist can also recommend medication to manage the pain and inflammation that might occur after the surgery. These symptoms usually go away within a few days after the intervention, and you will slowly start feeling better. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the recovery timeline can last from two days up to two weeks.
It's very important to maintain good oral hygiene to speed up the healing process. Just be aware and careful with the implant site and follow your dentist's instructions about how to clean that area.
During the first 24 hours after the intervention, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and salt to keep it clean. After that time, you can start to brush your teeth gently.
Be careful with the foods you eat. Your dentist will give you a set of recommendations, but usually, you can start eating after the anesthesia wears out. However, make sure to stick to mostly soft and liquid foods. Avoid hard foods that are difficult to chew or foods that can cause pain while you are still recovering.
As you can see, the healing process is a relatively short and easy one, and soon after your implants will heal, you will be able to enjoy your healthy teeth. At Skylyn Dental Associates in Spartanburg, we treat each patient as individuals with unique needs. We don't have a one-size-fits-all approach and strive to give the best treatment and recommendations based on your specific needs. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.