Thinking of getting dental implants to restore your smile? From helping you reclaim your confidence to eating your fave foods and laughing without second-guessing, dental implants go beyond just replacing missing teeth. 

But, you may be left with questions like – “What happens after getting dental implants?” or “How long does it take to recover from dental implants?” 

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can expect after your dental implant surgery – step by step – so you’ll know exactly what’s coming and be prepared. 

How Long is the Dental Implant Recovery Time? 

When it comes to dental implant recovery, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on certain individual factors, such as the patient's overall health, the number of implants, and the need for additional procedures like bone grafting. Typically, however, the recovery time ranges from 3-6 months. 

Here’s an outline of the recovery timeline for dental implants: 

• For the first 48-72 hours, you may experience some bleeding and pain along with swelling and bruising that becomes noticeable a day or two following surgery. However, there’s nothing to worry about because these symptoms are normal and can be managed with proper aftercare and prescribed pain medication. 

• The implant will continue to heal over the next few weeks. During this healing period, you may notice slight tenderness around the implant site. We recommend scheduling regular check-ups with our dentist to ensure smooth recovery. 

• Osseointegration, the process where the dental implant fuses with your jawbone takes about 3-6 months. 

Following post-operative care instructions provided by our team at Brisbane Implants is key for a smooth recovery and dental implant success. This includes steps such as avoiding touching the implant area, taking your medications as instructed and avoiding chewing directly on the site of implant placement. 

Managing Discomfort and Pain During Recovery 

Recovering from dental implants may feel like a daunting task. But, here’s the thing – it’s not unbearable if you keep things under control with the instructions we provide. These include: 

• Take over-the-counter pain medication for mild to moderate discomfort. These pain medications will reduce inflammation and help with the pain, helping you feel better. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage. 

• If the pain is stronger, our dentists will prescribe pain medications for you. Make sure to stick to our instructions when taking these medications and also avoid driving or using heavy machinery. 

• Notice some swelling around the implant site? Take a cold compress and apply it on your cheek outside of the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. It will reduce swelling and also numb the area, providing much-needed relief. 

• If you experience severe or worsening pain, excessive bleeding, loose implants or signs of infection, contact our dentist ASAP! Early intervention in such cases can prevent further complications and ensure implant success. 

Caring for Your Dental Implants During Recovery 

You may think that dental implant placement is the most important part of the entire procedure. Well, that’s not entirely true. Equally important is your road to recovery because it sets the stage for the success of your dental implants. 

By taking care of your dental implant, you can ensure your smile stays strong and healthy for years to come. Here are some things you can do to care for your implants during recovery: 

• Keep the Implant Site Clean: Brush and floss your implants (just like your natural teeth) to remove plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing your teeth and avoid using dental floss or interdental brushes near the implant site until we give you the go-ahead. Afterwards, you can use an interdental brush to clean around your implant or a water flosser for more effective cleaning. 

• Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: We will recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to help promote healing and prevent infection. 

• Avoid Smoking: While smoking is generally bad for your oral and overall health, it’s a major no-go during recovery. Why? Because smoking can slow down healing, increase the risk of complications and even lead to implant failure. 

• Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods: We recommend avoiding hard, crunchy, sticky and spicy foods during recovery because they can damage the implant or irritate the implant site. So, opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yoghurt, eggs and soups while you heal.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid using straws for the first couple of days to prevent dislodging the blood clot. 

• Avoid Grinding Your Teeth: Teeth grinding can put excessive pressure on your dental implants, leading to damage or failure. If you tend to grind your teeth, get a custom mouthguard to avoid damage. 

• Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: You can’t forget the dentist post-implant surgery. Regular check-ups are crucial because they allow us to monitor progress, identify any potential issues early on and ensure a smooth recovery. So, make sure to visit us as instructed or every 6 months. 

Signs of Recovery After a Dental Implant Procedure 

With care and maintenance playing an important role in the recovery process, it’s only natural to want some indication that your recovery is going smoothly. Here are some signs that reveal things are moving in the right direction: 

1. Decreased pain or comfort over time. 

2. Reduced swelling. 

3. No signs of infection like fever, excessive swelling or pus around the implant site. 

4. A stable and secure implant that doesn’t feel loose or wobbly.

In the instance where something doesn’t seem right, like pain that doesn’t go away or increased swelling, make sure to call our friendly team. We will catch potential issues early on and help you secure the smile you’ve been waiting for. 

At Brisbane Implants, we are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, including your recovery process. Do you have more questions about what to expect after dental implant surgery? Schedule a consultation or call us to learn more.