Dental Implant Healing Time and Care

The time it takes to heal from your dental implant procedure depends on your unique case. One of the advantages of implant dentistry is that the procedure can be tailored to each patient, so dental implants can be utilized in complex cases of missing teeth as well as simpler cases.

To learn more about what the procedure will be like for you, imlant dentist Dr. Michael Chung provides dental implants to people living in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Arlington, and Washington D.C.

Dental Implant Recovery

Dental implant recovery takes place in two phases: the initial recovery from surgery, and the longer healing period in which the implant fuses to bone.

Recovery from dental implant procedures vary by patient. Cases can be quite different from one another, and your procedure may be more or less invasive or complex compared to others. Dental implants work by being placed in the bone beneath your teeth. If bone grafting is necessary to augment the implant site, your recovery will require time for the bone graft to heal. Other aspects of recovery are common to most patients. Generally, you can expect to:

• Rest for the first full day after your procedure. Some patients return to work after one day of rest, but more complex cases sometimes require a few days of recuperation.
• Eat soft foods instead of hard or sticky foods. Dr. Chung will inform you of when you can return to eating a full range of foods.
• Do not smoke for the duration of your recovery. Smoking impedes blood circulation to the gums and suppresses your immune system, dramatically increasing the risk of dental implant failure.

You may feel some discomfort during this time. Most patients can alleviate this pain with over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen. In certain cases, Dr. Chung may suggest a prescription painkiller, which you should take as directed.

Second Phase of Dental Implant Healing

After this initial recovery, the second phase of healing takes place over several months. During this time, the dental implant integrates with the bone in which it was placed, forming a secure bond. You may be provided with a temporary tooth crown. After healing is complete, the permanent tooth crown is placed. At this point, you should be able to care for your dental implant just as you do your other teeth.

Learn more about whether or not you are a Candidate for Dental Implants and visit Questions about Dental Implants.

If you live in Northern Virginia, including the areas of Tysons Corner, Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Washington D.C., and would like to learn more about dental implants, please contact experienced dentist Dr. Michael Chung to schedule a consultation at Softouch Dental Care.