The loss of a tooth or even a few is not a sentence to a toothless life. Implantation is one of the most popular methods for restoring the functionality of lost teeth. In place of the native root, in the bone tissue, an implant is implanted – a titanium screw that will serve as a support for the crown.
Healing after implantation, as well as after any other surgical intervention, takes some time. The rehabilitation period depends on various factors: age, body characteristics, doctor’s professionalism, presence of chronic diseases, compliance with recommendations for oral care.
Dental implantation: healing time, features of care for the operated area.
The operation is not difficult, and the process itself, thanks to high-quality painkillers and modern techniques, is quick and painless. The implant is a titanium rod that is screwed directly into the bone. To do this, the soft tissues are dissected, and at the end of the procedure, stitches are applied to the gum for faster fusion and engraftment of the artificial root. It is during this period, which lasts no more than a couple of weeks, that the patient most acutely feels pain and discomfort. It can take from three to six months for the implant to fully fuse with the bone – all individually. It is also important to keep in mind that the rate of tissue regeneration for each person will be different.
Healing after dental implantation depends on the patient’s compliance with all the recommendations of the dentist. To prevent the development of inflammation and complications, you must carefully monitor the wound. This is due to the fact that the operated area of 2-4 weeks is vulnerable due to bacteria.
In the first two weeks after surgery, you must:
- Give up Smoking, alcoholic beverages, solid food. Use crushed and semi-liquid food.
- Minimize physical activity.
- Avoid hot and cold dishes and drinks,
- Do not chew on the side where the implant is installed.
- Do not touch the operating area with your hands, tongue, or various objects.
Especially careful should be observed oral hygiene, then the wound will heal quickly and with minimal discomfort. Avoid the implanted area with a toothbrush, it can be carefully treated with a cotton swab dipped in salt solution. To reduce pain, the doctor may recommend taking painkillers that are prescribed individually.
How long does the gum heal after implantation?
During the operation, both bone and soft tissue are affected, since the implantation of a titanium rod usually requires dissecting the gum. How long does the gum heal after implantation? It all depends on the selected implant (subcostal or periosteal), the depth of the hole, the height of the bone. In some cases, gum surgery may be required – then healing will take a little longer.
How to care for the oral cavity after surgery?
- In the first days, the gums will ache, there may be swelling and redness, the temperature may rise slightly – this is a normal reaction. To reduce pain, the doctor will prescribe painkillers. It is not recommended to take “proven” medications yourself, because they can affect the healing of the wound.
- It may be itchy for 3-4 weeks. By the end of the month, the patient should not feel discomfort. Salt baths for the oral cavity will help to get rid of pain. To do this, hold the solution on the side where the implant was installed.
When are the stitches removed after dental implants?
The day of suture removal is assigned by the implantologist individually for each individual case. This usually occurs 10-14 days after the operation. During the procedure, no anesthetics are used. The doctor carefully cuts the threads, then uses forceps to extract their remnants from the soft tissues. The patient feels only slight discomfort, no pain. If you used special threads that dissolve, then removing the seams is not required.
You should carefully care for the operated area to prevent the development of complications: use a brush with soft bristles, treat wounds with antiseptic agents, exclude solid food and try to chew on the healthy side.
Dental implantation, healing, and rehabilitation are almost painless if the patient does not neglect the dentist’s recommendations and carefully observes oral hygiene.
Sobolevsky dentistry is equipped with the best equipment and materials so that the operation and recovery process are quick and painless.