Den­tal Implants After­care: How to Ensure a Smooth Recov­ery and Long-last­ing Results

The implant functions in the same way as the natural tooth root, anchoring the false tooth into the jaw bone. In many ways, a dental implant offers an improvement on natural teeth, as the tooth root is made from strong and durable titanium, which is designed to last a lifetime.

Before considering this treatment plan, it’s vital to think about the treatment time and the recovery. This is not an overnight restoration – although same day implants may be available for some patients – which means you’ll need to be prepared for a long treatment plan that could change as the treatment progresses. It’s essential to go into the treatment plan with some flexibility.

In this guide, we’re exploring the treatment plan for dental implants, what you can expect during recovery and how you can streamline this process as much as possible.

The dental implant treatment plan

Dental implant treatment requires multiple procedures with healing time between each stage. The steps in the implant process as as follows:

• Stage one: During the first procedure, your dentist will expose the jaw bone and make a small pocket where the implant is placed. The gum is closed over the top and this is left to heal. This is the longest healing process, as it requires the bone to form a strong bond with the implant. This process is known as osseointegration.

• Stage two: In the second procedure, your dentist will check that the implant is properly bonded with the jaw bone before moving forward. They will then attach a titanium abutment to the top of the implant. The top of this will sit exposed above the gum. The gum is sutured (stitched) closed around this and then the gum is left to heal.

• Stage three: In the final procedure, the artificial tooth can be attached to the abutment. This marks the end of the restoration. You will be given aftercare instructions to help you to care for your dental implant at home.

Recovery tips for every stage

The first treatment will be the most uncomfortable and require the most care during the recovery period. You will be completely numbed throughout the treatment, and patients often report that it is no more uncomfortable than a routine extraction.

After the treatment, you should give your body time to rest and recuperate. As the local anaesthesia wears off, you might experience some discomfort. Your dentist may give you something for the pain, or you might be able to use over the counter pain medication.

You should also sleep with your head elevated and use a cold compress to make yourself more comfortable. We usually recommend around 2-3 days of rest after your procedure.

You’ll need to stick to softer foods and avoid hard or crunchy food while you recover. This will be relevant after every procedure in the treatment plan. Your surrounding teeth and gums may be more sensitive, so you’ll need to be careful when chewing food.

It’s vital that you quit smoking and vaping before your treatment and that you don’t resume after treatment. Smoking and vaping will put you at increased risk of implant failure due to a painful condition known as peri implantitis.

Follow your dentist’s advice for brushing your teeth and caring for your implant site very carefully. Proper care during the recovery stages can have a huge impact on the success of the treatment plan.

Finally, listen to your body and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you think something is wrong. Excessive pain, bleeding or an unusual taste in your mouth could all indicate that something is wrong. Never worry about “bothering” your dentist, as we would much rather hear from you and help you put things right than to miss an early diagnosis and have to remove the implant.

Long term care for dental implants

Once the implant site has healed, you’ll need to care for your implant like it’s a natural tooth. This will typically mean brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush and carefully cleaning around the implant with dental floss or an interdental brush.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can give you advice on how to care for your implant to minimise the risk of developing an infection in the implant socket. They can also give you pointers on when to take action if something is amiss.

Ready to start your transformation journey?

If you’re curious about how dental implants could transform your life and your confidence, get in touch with our team today. We can help guide you through the process from start to finish, so you know exactly what lies ahead and how to care for your dental implants for a lifetime.