
When you lose a tooth due to gum disease, tooth decay or injury, dental implants are often used to fix the issue. Dental implants have proven to be one of the most durable and convenient treatment options for Americans who lose teeth each year. But while the treatment can ensure you maintain your chewing power and an impressive smile, surgery of any kind is a concern for many patients. Let’s take a closer look at what Marietta patients can expect from dental implant treatment.
What Should I Expect During the Dental Implant Recovery Process?
Missing teeth can cause problems with oral health, comfort, eating, speech and appearance. Therefore, adding a replacement tooth should be a priority. A dental implant makes this process possible by replacing the missing tooth root and building a solid foundation for a crown or bridge.
To fix the titanium implant in place, it must be surgically attached to the jawbone under anesthetic. For many patients, this can cause some minor discomfort while the treatment area heals. You may notice some swelling, bruising and tenderness around the jaw area, but this will gradually decrease as the days pass. In most cases, any discomfort or visible bruising will be minimal and won’t persist for more than a few days.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Healing Process Take?
Replacing an extracted tooth involves surgery, so you could experience some limited bleeding for two to three days. During this time you may notice swelling of the face and gums, along with facial bruising. To aid the healing process it is recommended that patients stay away from hot drinks and harder foods, as these may put a strain on the treatment area.
While any pain will usually pass within days, the overall healing process takes much longer. For many patients, a period of weeks or months is required until the gum is considered fully healed. This is because the titanium implant needs to fuse to the jawbone, and the gum heals around it. With this solid foundation your dentist can then fix a replacement tooth that resembles the surrounding, natural teeth.
Tips for Coping With the Dental Implant Healing Process
- Avoid physical exertion on the day of the dental implant procedure.
- For the first few days, stay away from chewy foods that may get stuck in your teeth.
- To prevent infection avoid unhealthy habits like smoking.
- Practice good oral hygiene and look after the new dental crown.
- Speak to your dentist if you notice infections or ongoing gum swelling.
Top Quality Dental Implant Treatment in Marietta
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry we provide a range of treatments, including dental implants, fillings, crowns and much more. For the best quality dental checkups and treatments, visit us at our Marietta dental practice. Call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.