Dental implants are a standard procedure used to repair tooth decay and injury. Whatever your reason is for looking into the treatment, you might have many questions regarding the care. One of the biggest questions asked is, “how long does it take to recovery after getting a dental implant?”
Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure itself doesn’t take long at all. First, the dentist needs to extract your old tooth if it is still in place. Then, a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. Once this is secure, the overdenture or crown is placed on top. This protects it and allows you to feel like you have a natural tooth there.
This procedure occurs under local or general anesthesia with the possibility of sedation if needed. Sometimes bone grafting is necessary if the jawbone is weak. This involves the dentist taking some bone from one part of your body and putting it into your mouth.
Recovery Time
Once the implant is placed, your recovery begins. The body must generate enough bone to support your implant. This is referred to as osseointegration. It can take a few months before the bone has fully grown enough to integrate your implant. While this occurs, you’ll only use a temporary crown.
During the first few days, you must keep the area clean and dry. It’s normal to experience some swelling and bleeding as you recover. Just brush your teeth gently and don’t eat anything hard or foods that can get lodged in the area.
You should also avoid exercise or strenuous activities for a few days. There will be several appointments with the dentist after the procedure to check on the implant and determine when you are ready for the permanent. The entire process takes anywhere from three to six months.
To ensure a smooth few months, it’s imperative that you take proper care of your mouth. Call your cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX with any concerns between appointments and treat the temporary implant with care. In no time, you’ll be flaunting your brand new smile everywhere you go.