You just got your new dental implants in New Orleans, and they look great! Now the next question you’re asking is; how long will it take to heal? We understand your concern; that’s why today’s post breaks down the dental implant healing timeline so you know what to expect. Let’s dive straight into it.
The dental implant surgery usually takes forty to sixty minutes. You won’t have any sensation in the surgical area after the surgery because of the local anesthetic used during treatment. Your New Orleans dentist will ask you to bite down on a gauze pad, but you might still experience slight bleeding that should slow down in an hour or two.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll likely experience some pain and discomfort in the affected region. The dentist will prescribe an OTC painkiller that you should take to help with the pain. You can supplement this treatment with home remedies like an ice pack or peppermint tea bags to minimize the pain. You should take plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activities during this period.
You’ll still experience pain and inflammation in the affected region the first few days after the surgery, but the bleeding should have stopped. You'll want to maintain a diet of soft foods and drinks during this period. Some of the best foods to promote your recovery include mashed potatoes, carrots, apple syrup, fruit pudding, milk, and plenty of water.
Swelling and pain should subside after one week. This means you can return to exercising and strenuous activities, but only moderately (half your usual capacity). You should still maintain a diet of soft foods and liquids during this time. At this point, you can rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution and brush your teeth, but gently around the surgical site.
By this time, the wound in the surgical site should feel completely normal, and the pain completely disappeared. You can resume your usual diet and brush your teeth like usual. The dentist will schedule an appointment two weeks after the surgery to check your progress. They'll check the surgical area and take x-rays to check the healing progress. You can pretty much resume your regular life after the second week.
With the right tips, you can accelerate your healing from dental implant surgery. Some tips for promoting proper healing after the surgery include:
Dental implants are one of the most effective restorative treatments for missing and severely damaged teeth. These permanent restorations look and feel natural and could last a lifetime with proper care. With a high success rate and a relatively smooth healing process, you have no reason not to get dental implants.
Are you looking for a dental practice that offers exceptional dental implant services? If so, contact Smile Snob, and we’ll get started on your treatment right away.
Schedule your visit today to find out why a visit to Smile Snob is more than an appointment: it’s an experience.
