Missing tooth impacts the smile’s appearance and leads to additional dental issues, which only worsens with time if left untreated. The cosmetic dentist will suggest options like dental bridges and implants to address the issue. A dental implant is a long-lasting resolution to restore your smile; it provides strength and support to the adjacent teeth and prevents them from drifting from their original place.
A dental implant is an invasive procedure and can be completed in a single day. However, surgery is only one part of the treatment. Immediately after the surgery, the post starts infusing with the jawbone; this process is called osseointegration. It then takes three to six months for the implant to get anchored in the jawbone and recover. This article discusses what the patient can expect after getting a dental implant Sydney.
What Happens During the Implant Recovery Process?
During the recovery phase, patients may feel minor symptoms that are not unnatural and will subside. The cosmetic dentist will guide the patient regarding various symptoms and provide medication for the same. Some of the symptoms experienced by the patient include:
- Bleeding: Post-surgery, the patient may notice bleeding in the first 48 – 72 hours, which is normal. In cases where the implant is done on the upper arch or a sinus lifting procedure has been done, the patient may also experience bleeding of the nose.
- Bruising: For the next 2-3 days, the patient could see some bruising happening on the face, which gradually disappears. Soft tissues in the mouth appear black, blue, green, and yellow as the blood comes to the surface of the gums during surgery and healing.
- Swelling: swelling around eyes, cheek and mouth is common in patients who have undergone bone grafting before the implant; the dentist will prescribe medicine for the same. Taking a cold compress could effectively bring down the swelling.
- Discomfort: The body takes time to get accustomed to the foreign object. This could lead to discomfort; common discomfort is dryness of the lips. The dentist might recommend some OTC pain killers to take care of the uneasiness, which wears off in three days.
- Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting: Anaesthesia given during the surgery could lead to light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting. However, this will subside with time
- Fever: Increased temperature is typical of any surgery; care should be taken to ensure that it does not exceed 101 degrees.
What Are the Factors That Impact the Recovery Time of The Implant?
The recovery from the dental implant will differ from patient to patient as each case is different from the other. The number of implants and their location impact the recovery time; the more the implants, the longer they will heal. If surgeries like bone grafting and sinus lifting were done, it would take longer to heal. Oral hygiene, smoking and the duration for which the tooth has been missing also impact the healing time.
What Can Be Done to Speed Up the Recovery Procedure?
Once you know what to expect during recovery, there are some steps you can take at home to get rid of the discomfort and hasten the recovery. The first step would be to avoid any activity that requires alertness of the brain, like driving or studying. Secondly, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities like bending or lifting that could dislodge the blood clots and lead to bleeding. While resting the head, the head should be elevated for additional comfort.
Depending on your condition, the dentist will prescribe medicines and over the counter pain killers. It is essential to take the medication on time to get relief from pain, and gradually the pain will wear off. Additionally, you should watch the food you eat; the dentist will recommend you eat soft cold foods. A cold compress should be done to reduce swelling on the face. Avoid disturbing the clots and smoking as it interferes with the healing process.
Conclusion
Symptoms like swelling, bleeding, fever, and light-headedness are standard in dental implants, and most signs will wear off with time. With proper aftercare and medication, patients will resume work, and once the teeth have entirely healed in three to six months, the dentist will place the extensions, and the procedure will be completed.
