Dental implant healing stages are considered the most durable and practical tooth restorative option in today’s dentistry. These implants can function and look like the original teeth, bringing patients great confidence and comfort in their daily lives.
Before making the final decision, it is necessary for you to be aware of the healing stages that an implant procedure entails. These stages may take 6 to 12 months to complete. Let Sydney Dental guide you through it briefly with this article.
1. What are dental implants?
Generally speaking, dental implants play as the substitute roots for your teeth. They bring patients a strong base for permanent or detachable false teeth that are designed to match your original ones.
Those who have lost one or more teeth can find dental implants helpful. A dental implant is also needed if you have missing teeth as a result of:
- Tooth decay, also called cavities;
- Breaks in the tooth roots;.
- Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism;
- Periodontal conditions;
- Injuries to the face;
- Innate tooth loss (born with some teeth missing).
A typical dental implant usually consists of:
- A dental implant body, surgically placed in the jawbone to substitute for the tooth’s root.
- A dental implant abutment, bonded to the implant body via the abutment fixation screw that goes across your gums into the mouth.
- An ceramic tooth, which is attached to the abutment on top, making the implant one whole functional piece.
2. Dental implant healing stages
Stage 1: Pre-placement of dental implants
Initial examination and any complementary procedure
At your initial visit, the dental provider will examine your mouth and jawbone to decide if dental implants are a good fit for you. If you don’t have enough jawbone to hold the implants in place, the dentist may recommend another procedure prior to the implants to fix this, such as a bone grafting surgery.
A few bone graft materials are available to restore a jawbone, such as a natural bone graft taken from another location of your body, or a synthetic bone graft, like a bone-like material that can give support for new bone. It is best for you to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of the options so you can make the final decision.
Several months may be required for the grafted bone to grow sufficiently to hold an implant. In some cases, only a small bone graft is needed and that can be carried out at the same time as the dental implant procedure.
Though the initial healing time for a bone graft requires only a few weeks, the full recovery may take up to 9 months. Once the bone graft is completely fused with your jawbone, the dentist will proceed with the implants.
However, if there’s a seriously damaged tooth that needs a removal to be replaced with an implant, the waiting time can be as long as 10 weeks before you can get the implant. Sometimes the dental care provider can place the dental implants immediately after the extraction. This case is only applicable if you already have enough jawbone under the affected tooth.
Dental implant preparation
Prior to a dental implant, you should do the following:
- Provide the dentist with a list of medications and supplements you are currently on. It’s crucial that you let your dentist know whether you’re using a blood thinner. The dental provider will then decide if you are to discontinue any medicine before the dental implant.
- Make sure to have a physical checkup and blood test run to guarantee that there aren’t any diseases which may affect the implant success.
- Also speak with the dentist about sedation options. Most of the time, the dentist offers sedative medications that make you relaxed over the course of the implant surgery.
- If you want to get sedation, ask a close friend or family member to give you a ride home after the treatment.
Stage 2: Post implant placement
During the implant procedure, the dentist will make a small cut in your gum to reveal the jawbone beneath. Then they will drill a small hole in your jawbone to place the titanium post inside. The access hole will then be sealed shut.
After the procedure, there are two healing phases.
The surgical site healing
The first one is the healing of the surgical wound which will take a maximum of 2 weeks. This time will be shortened if you strictly follow the post- procedure advice from the dentist.
The osseointegration
The next stage of recovery is called osseointegration, which is the process of the new implant becoming fused with your jawbone. This creates a stable base for the post and the restoration. The osseointegration duration can range from 8 weeks to 9 months, depending on the patient’s immune system and the number of new implants.
It is important in any healing stages that you maintain proper oral care and hygiene to prevent any disruption and speed up the process. In order to achieve this, you should:
- Take medications exactly as directed by the dental provider;
- Refrain from exercise and heavy lifting for at least 72 hours because a fast heart rate can elevate the level of pain and swelling;
- Chew foods with the other side of the mouth. If you have had implants on both sides, have soft foods for a couple of days then go back to your normal diet little by little according to what you are comfortable with;
- Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly on a daily basis;
- Keep the implant area clean as directed by the dental care provider.
Stage 3: The abutment placement
Once the implant has anchored securely in the jaw, you will have a follow-up visit with the dental provider to have the abutment placed. The abutment is a part that connects the received implant post to the dental restoration, like an artificial tooth, bridge, or crown. This procedure is only a minor surgery where the dentist will open the gum tissue to reveal the implant post. After putting the abutment in place, the gum tissue will be closed. At this point, the healing entails a duration of 2 weeks to a month. Patients may have slight swelling or discomfort following the abutment placement that can be helped with OTC pain medications or ice therapy.
2.4. Stage 4: Restoration placement
As your gums around the new abutment is healed, you can come back to the dentist’s to get the dental restoration on top. During the appointment, impressions of your teeth around the implant area and the abutment will be taken to ensure that the restoration is well fitting.
The restoration part may take 2 weeks to be created. Then the dentist will attach it to the abutment, connecting it to the implant post. And the happy ending is you leave the clinic with a shiny, flawless smile.
3. Candidacy for dental implant surgery
3.1. How to know if you are a candidate for dental implants?
Those whose health is good enough to receive a normal tooth extraction or dental surgery can be a candidate for dental implants. They should also have:
- Healthy gums;
- Enough bone for the implants to be bonded to;
- Decent oral hygiene;
- Frequent visits to the dentist.
Thorough examination needs to be done before dental implants for patients who:
- Are chronic smokers;
- Have out-of-control chronic diseases, like diabetes or heart problems;
- Are undergoing radiation therapy in the head or neck.
Whatever the case is, always consult with your dentist to see if dental implants are a good fit for you.
3.2. Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants may not be a good fit for some people due to certain risk factors, specifically if they:
- Are less than 18 years of age, this is because most dentists will only give dental implants to those whose jaw has stopped growing;
- Smoke or use tobacco;
- Have substantial loss of the jaw bone;
- Practice improper oral hygiene;
- Have deep tooth cavities;
- Have existing periodontal disease;
- Suffer from health problems, like bone or autoimmune diseases.
Every patient has a different health history and conditions so if you want to know for sure, contact the dental provider for advice and recommendations.
4. A word from Sydney Dental
It is clear that it takes quite a long process for the dental implant to be completed. However, the benefits that patients get from it outweighs the cost of time as well as money. You will chew and speak freely with great comfort and improved overall oral health. It also comes with a stunning smile that will draw everyone to you.
Hopefully after this read you’ve got a good idea of how long the dental implant healing stages take, how to prepare for it and what the aftercare is like as well as if it is something you need for the time being. If you are still unsure of which treatment to go with for a new unforgettably stunning smile in your particular case, do not hesitate to reach out to us Sydney Dental. We are at 499-501 Ba Hat St, Ward 8, District 10, HCMC looking forward to your visit. You may also call us at (028) 3504 9440 for a free no-obligation comprehensive consultation. Your pretty, shiny smile is 100% guaranteed at Sydney Dental!
