This four-part article series provides an in-depth look at teeth replacement using dental implants. It explains what dental implants are, how they work and what procedures are required to place them.
Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on getting new teeth with dental implants. In our previous post, Part 3, we explained what is typically involved in the surgical component of a dental implant procedure and the fact that, in most cases, implants can be used to provide patients with new teeth in as little as one day! Now, let’s explore post-operative recovery after getting dental implants and what Corona Del Mar patients can expect from it.
Does it Hurt, Doc?
It’s the most frequently asked question by patients who are scheduled for dental implant surgery: does it hurt? The answer is, thankfully, not nearly as much as you think. In fact, most patients hardly experience any discomfort at all!
“During surgery, you will be completely numbed, so you will be kept entirely comfortable,” explains a Corona Del Mar dentist. “Once the anesthesia has worn off after surgery, you may experience a little discomfort, especially when you bite down, but this typically disappears after a few days and isn’t anything that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.”
Post-Operative Recovery
In the days and weeks following dental implant placement, you’ll notice the swelling and inflammation of the gum surrounding your new teeth subsiding. You’ll grow accustomed to the fit and feel of your new teeth and within no time at all, your mouth will seem as though it’s back to normal. But the healthy pink veneer of the gum covering your new teeth belies the magic that’s happening underneath…
“Once an implant has been placed, the jawbone surrounding it begins to fuse to its surface. No other metal on the periodic table is considered as compatible with the human body as titanium and this is why your jawbone is actually able to form a strong biological bond to the surface of the implant,” says the dentist. “We term this process osseointegration and it’s the reason dental implants are non-removable.”
Post-Operative Instructions for Care
You will be sent home after surgery with instructions for the care and maintenance of your new teeth. You will be required to brush and floss as per usual, but for the first few weeks, you should be very careful about the foods you eat. You shouldn’t eat anything hard, crunchy or chewy as this might compromise the healing of the implant. Additionally, you shouldn’t smoke, have too much alcohol or engage in any strenuous activities or exercise as these may all lead to a greater risk of implant failure.
Essentially, Corona Del Mar dentists encourage patients to give their body a rest, so that they can get their recovery off to a good start. If you notice any problems at all, such as continued bleeding or pain, it’s important to call your implant surgeon right away. Timely intervention can prevent the need for additional surgery.
A Final Note
And there you have it: The A-Z on getting new teeth from the very dental healthcare professionals who place and restore dental implants in Corona Del Mar on a daily basis!
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