How Do I Know If My Dental Implant Is Healing Correctly?

Dental implants continue to be a game-changer in dentistry, offering a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Unlike temporary fixes, dental implants address the root cause of tooth loss and provide numerous benefits for both oral health and aesthetics.

Wondering if dental implants are right for you? Learn about the basics of dental implants, including the installation process, the different risks involved, and how to qualify for the procedure. If you have just had your surgery, apply these do’s and don’ts when recovering and how to make your dental implants last.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small screws made typically of titanium alloy inserted under the gum in the bone to replace the roots of missing teeth. A dental implant replaces a tooth’s root, and then a replacement tooth or crown is attached to it.

Dental implants are available in several types because each patient’s oral cavity is unique. Each one is designed to suit specific dental structures and conditions.

• Endosteal Implants – The most common type of dental implant, endosteal implants suit most patients. However, their stability relies entirely on the underlying bone structure of where they will be attached. You need to have a healthy and adequate jawbone to qualify for endosteal implant placement.
• Subperiosteal Implants – This type of dental implant is a metal plate with posts clasped on the jawbone. The posts serve as the dowel that supports the abutment and crown.
• Zygomatic Implants – Teeth replacement on the maxilla or upper jaw that requires bone grafting can be tricky. If grafting is not possible, your periodontist will most likely recommend zygomatic implants as an alternative. These implants are long metals anchored to the zygomatic bones to provide implant support.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implant placement. You have to meet certain conditions to qualify for the procedure, and your dental implant specialist will determine this during the initial consultation and exam. Here are the basic qualifications:

• You should have a full-grown and healthy jawbone or a successful bone graft.
• You should have one or more teeth that need replacing.
• You should be willing to wait several months for your full tooth replacement.
• Your gums and other teeth must be healthy.
• You prefer implants to removable dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Removable Dentures

For various reasons, most patients choose lasting solutions like dental implants over removable dentures. Here are three popular reasons why patients prefer implants:

• Permanent – A dental implant replaces the tooth root and is made to fuse with the jawbone. It is more stable than removable dentures, which means it restores both the appearance and functions of your teeth.
• Looks More Natural – Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are completely concealed within the gum. At the same time, the crown that comes with it is made of a material that mimics an actual tooth.
• More Durable – The implant is made of titanium alloy, which is expected to last for an extended period of time. The crown is usually made of porcelain or composite material, which is much harder than the material used to make removable dentures.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implant placement consists of multiple procedures performed in stages. The whole process can last for up to nine months as the healing time is needed between operations. Here is an overview of the process:

• Step 1: The first step is consultation and x-rays. Your doctor will determine whether or not you qualify for the procedure.
• Step 2: If the tooth to be replaced is still present, your doctor will extract it before opening the gum to reveal the underlying bone.
• Step 3: Your doctor will prepare your jawbone for dental implant placement based on its structure and condition, which may include bone grafting.
• Step 4: Your periodontist will place the dental implant and the healing abutment.
• Step 5: After a predetermined time frame, you will return to your restorative dentist to have the replacement tooth, also called a crown, and possibly the abutment, crafted and placed.

Healing from Dental Implants

The whole dental implant placement process takes about three to nine months to complete, from the first consultation to crown placement. This might take longer depending on your bone structure, how fast your gum heals, and several other factors. Patients sometimes qualify for Teeth in a Day or same-day smile treatment, where Dr. Ficca can remove a damaged tooth and place the implant on the same day.

What Do Gums Look Like After Implant Surgery?

As with any other surgery, gum healing after implant placement may result in some discomfort. How quickly you will heal depends on your dental implant care and maintenance during this stage. Learn more about how to take care of your dental implants during this recovery phase.

Immediately after surgery: Your gums may be swollen, red, and tender. You may also experience some bleeding. This is all normal and should subside within a few days.
The first week: The swelling and redness should start to improve. You may still experience some tenderness, especially when brushing your teeth.
1-2 weeks: Your gums should continue to heal and feel more normal. You may still have a small stitch or stitches at the implant site, but these will be removed by your dentist during a follow-up appointment.
2-3 months: By this time, your gums should be completely healed and look like they did before surgery.

It’s important to remember that healing varies from person to person. If you have any concerns about the appearance of your gums after implant surgery, be sure to consult your dental implant specialist. View dental implant healing pictures to learn more about this part of the process.

Things to Remember During the First Two Weeks After the Surgery

Your recovery process begins right after you step out of the operating room. This is the part where you should start applying your dental implant specialist’s instructions. Here are some of the things your periodontist will most likely tell you to do after the surgery:

1. If blood starts coming from your gums right after leaving the office, do not worry. This is normal, and it might continue for the next couple of days. There will be gauze sponges over the surgical site to control the bleeding. You just have to continue biting on them for another hour or two until the bleeding wanes.
2. You may eat after at least one-hour post-surgery. First, remove the gauze sponges you have been biting on. Eat soft foods that will not force you to chew hard. Avoid hot foods or drinks until you are sure that the surgical site will not be irritated. Also, do not use a straw when you drink, as this may affect your wound. If you are wondering what to eat after dental implant surgery, check out our in-depth dental implant diet timeline.
3. Be sure to take your prescription medication, but only after you have eaten something. Ibuprofen or Tylenol® should not be taken on an empty stomach.
4. You may experience a slight fever right after the surgery. However, if the fever continues for several days, that might be a sign of infection. In that case, contact your periodontist right away.
5. As explained, dental implant placement involves opening the gum. Meaning, you will most likely have stitches in your mouth. Avoid moving them with your tongue, as this can result in the wound re-opening. Most sutures fall out and disappear completely after a week.
6. You can resume brushing your teeth 24 hours after the surgery, even if the wound is still fresh and delicate. Fluoride from toothpaste helps kill the bacteria in your mouth, which might infect your wound. However, be careful not to rinse too roughly to avoid aggravating your gums. Rinse with mild saltwater every so often as well.
7. Your dental implant specialist will most likely schedule an appointment with you at least three weeks after the surgery to check your improvement. But if you notice any issues that you believe are not normal, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
8. You can resume normal activities as soon as you feel it is safe to do so—meaning, your wounds have stopped bleeding, you can brush and floss more easily, and you do not feel pain anymore. But to be safe, keep your activities light and avoid lifting heavy objects.

How to Take Care of Your Implants Until the Crown Placement

Dental implant placement usually takes three months but can take up to nine months to complete because it takes that long for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. This means that your post-operative care does not end three weeks after your operation or when your wound closes to hold the crown securely. Here are the practices you should maintain or include in your routine during this stage of the healing process.

Maintain Your Soft Food Diet

With your implants still not fully attached to your jawbone, it is too risky to start eating hard foods too soon. If you want the procedure to succeed, stick to eating the same food your doctor recommended during the first week until you get your crowns.

Continue to Avoid Using a Straw When You Drink

Even the slightest contractions in your mouth can affect the position of your implants. You do not want your dental implants to twist or tilt as they fuse with your jawbone. Avoid using a straw when you drink (to avoid dry socket) or pouting your lips. This helps keep the implants in an upright position until you get your crowns.

Avoid Smoking for a Few Months

The cells in your body need an adequate amount of oxygen to regenerate. Smoking deprives your body of oxygen. Needless to say, avoiding smoking can help your wound heal, and the dental implants fuse with the jawbone faster.

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss regularly. Do not let bacteria build up in your mouth. If you fail to do so, your gums may become infected, and result in peri implantitis. As this condition progresses, your dental implants lose their footing and eventually break off from your jawbone.

Getting Dental Implants from a Trusted Practice

For optimal results, select a periodontist specializing in dental implants. This ensures they have the advanced training and experience necessary for successful placement. Additionally, look for a facility equipped for implant surgery with the latest technology and sterilization procedures. Most importantly, follow your periodontist’s post-operative instructions carefully for a smooth healing process and to achieve your desired outcome. If you have questions about dental implants, the installation process, or how to heal quickly, visit Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC today.