What’s The Recovery Time For Dental Implants and Why’s it Necessary?
With most surgical procedures it’s fair to say that the term ‘recovery’ refers to the time taken for the area to heal and get back to normal. However for anyone undergoing treatment to place a dental implant in Richmond, the term ‘recovery’ takes on a slightly different meaning.
The osseointegration factor
Dental implants differ from any other form of teeth replacement in that they’re anchored firmly into the jawbone making them a permanent fixture in the mouth. However in order to provide a super-strong platform the implant itself (or titanium post) needs to successfully fuse with surrounding bone tissue. This is known as osseointegration. The process itself varies in most patients and can take anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months to complete. This process is really what we refer to when we talk about ‘recovery time’ and is vital for implant success.
Is recovery painful?
This all depends on the degree of implant-based restorations taking place. For instance, if a patient has a single implant fitted with no other complications then they can easily be back to work the following day with little or no pain at all. Conversely, if a patient has experienced multiple implants and other necessary procedures such as bone grafts and/or sinus lifts, then there’s a strong chance that they’ll experience a degree of bruising and swelling and indeed some degree of slight pain. That said, the pain should normally subside within 7-10 days and can easily be brought under control using over-the-counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory’s. During this time the patient should rest up and not carry out any strenuous tasks.
When we talk about the other form of recovery (osseointegration) then this process will still be ongoing long after the patient has fully recovered from any pain. Osseointegration in itself should never be painful and during this time a patient should be able to lead a normal life while it’s taking place.
Ultimately once the implant has fused with the bone tissue it creates a strong and durable platform upon which your dentist can then attach a permanent crown or it can become a stand alone support for a bridging or denture framework. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to have lifelike teeth that should if cared for, last you many years to come.
To find out more about the recovery process or indeed dental implants in Richmond then we invite you to book a free, no-obligation consultation with us. Here you can get all your questions and concerns answered allowing you to make a fully informed decision about your future dental health. To make a booking either contact us through our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or alternatively call us directly on 020 8876 5277. Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team are looking forward to welcoming you to the clinic.