If missing teeth is your area of concern, dental implants can be the best treatment approach. A dental implant surgery is a surgical method to place a titanium post into the jawbone. Subsequently, a temporary denture or crown is screwed to the metal root. This mimics the natural-looking teeth and functions the same. However, the entire treatment and healing process can take almost eight months to complete. Leading dental implants Los Angeles clinics offer comprehensive assistance that helps the patient wade through its challenges and get onto the path of recovery, quickly. Having said that, the recovery process is slow and gradual and requires careful handling to avoid any pitfalls.
Stages Of Healing For Dental Implants
For a layman, the healing process after dental implants in Los Angeles may seem like a straightforward journey. However, orthodontics highlights the different stages it goes through until the final recovery. These are:
- Immediate Post-Surgery Phase
The first two days post-surgery are the most critical. As the wound is fresh and raw, the risk of treatment failure is the highest if the post-operative instructions are not followed diligently.
- Short-Term Healing Phase
This phase typically lasts for around two weeks. During this period the gum tissue and the adjacent teeth get acclimatized to the new addition.
- Osseointegration Phase
It takes almost three-six months for the dental implant to fuse with the jawbone. This period is known as the osseointegration period.
- Restoration Phase
This is the final stage of recovery. The surgeon will evaluate the progress of osseointegration and move forward with fixing the final crown or bridge.
Tips For A Smooth Healing Process
For a complete recovery and long-term success of dental implants, each stage of the recovery process must be managed effectively. For this, the Los Angeles dental implants center issues personalized guidelines for each case. However, there are certain universally followed guidelines about the dos and don’ts after dental implant surgery. These include:
- As swelling and minor bleeding are normal during the post-surgery period, managing it effectively with ice packs is recommended. The use of ice packs constricts the blood vessels in the area, bringing about immediate relief.
- To avoid putting pressure on the implant site, stick to soft foods and fluids for the initial few days. Avoid consuming hot foods and beverages. Cold foods work just like ice packs and help cut down swelling and bleeding risk.
- Medicines are prescribed for pain management, inflammation control, and to keep infection at bay. Follow the guidelines carefully.
- It is important to follow the right kind of eating habits all along the recovery period. Avoid chewing on hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can dislodge the dental implant.
- Abstain from tobacco and alcohol as they hinder the healing process.
- It is always a good idea to gently rinse the mouth with salt water after every meal. Gently swishing around the warm liquid aids in healing and helps maintain a healthy oral environment.
Importance Of Oral Hygiene
We all are aware of the importance of maintaining oral hygiene. Maintaining oral hygiene is a must. This is important during each phase of recovery post-surgery and otherwise. Any kind of infection in the oral cavity can delay the osseointegration process. Also, the growth of infection at the implant site can lead to implant rejection.
Make sure you gently brush around the implant site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush as harsh bristles can irritate the healing gum tissue. Avoid using dental floss until the dental crown is in place. Use salt-water solution or a non-alcoholic antimicrobial mouthwash to gently rinse-clean the mouth after every meal.
Complications To Watch Out For
The healing process after a dental implant is slow and gradual. Besides following the instructions and guidelines carefully, one must be vigilant about the potential complications. Recognizing the signs of trouble early on can prevent major setbacks in the treatment. These include:
- Swelling or unusual pain in the area
- Signs of infection like foul smell, pus discharge, bleeding, or tenderness to touch.
- Fever and chills
Final Thoughts
Dental implant surgery requires the surgical insertion of artificial implant roots into the jawbone. It is seen as an effective treatment approach to tackle missing teeth and has a success-rate of over 95%. But given the complexity and the prolonged duration of the treatment, the recovery from dental implant surgery is slow and gradual. Careful adherence to the doctor’s advice is imperative for positive treatment results. In addition to following the post-operative instructions carefully, it is important to keep up with all follow-up appointments. The orthodontist is quick to pick up any signs of delay in the healing process that may otherwise go unnoticed in the initial phase.
As every patient’s journey is unique, it is important to follow a personalized treatment plan. Experts at the Personal Dental Office, the leading dental implant specialists in Los Angeles, are known for their skills and years of experience. With the state-of-the-art infrastructure and best treatment practices, they promise permanent solutions to dental queries. Schedule an appointment to get one-on-one advice to check if the dental implant procedure is the way forward for your dental concern.
