If you’ve scheduled to undergo a dental implant procedure, you will want to take steps to prepare for it to ensure you have a smooth surgery. There are also post-op instructions you can follow after the surgery to heal faster and return to your normal routine. The average recovery process for dental implants is anywhere from three to six months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone.
Oral surgeons may require patients to undergo a bone graft to increase jawbone density and provide support for dental implants. This bone graft can increase the recovery period by as much as two months, so you are looking at a long recovery time of about eight to 10 months. However, you can resume most normal activities, such as going to work in two to seven days.
How To Recover At A Faster Rate From Dental Implants
Our dentists at Ford Dental Group suggest the following tips to improve and speed up your recovery. Note that these are generic steps, and your exact pathway to recovery depends on your personal circumstances.
Get as Much Rest as Possible
The first few weeks after dental implant surgery are crucial. You will be recommended to rest for at least two to seven days post-surgery. It is important to gradually transition into your regular routine. Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions for more information. In some cases, you may be asked not to lift heavy weights (such as during workouts) for the first few weeks.
This instruction is provided to minimize stress on the body and ensure that the implant receives as many resources from the body as possible to help with recovery. Also, try to get at least eight hours of sleep at night. Many patients underestimate the healing effect that a good night’s sleep has on the body. If you can’t get enough sleep, ask your dentist for advice or make lifestyle changes.
Take Your Medications as Prescribed by the Dentist
Some patients become forgetful of their medications, while others are worried about some of the side effects. But missing medications is never a good idea. For example, it could lead to infections that could cause peri-implantitis and that may cause dental implant failure. Moreover, some of the medications are designed to mitigate the impact of pain. In some cases, this pain could disrupt your sleep, appetite, and mobility. It also makes it harder for your body to heal fully. Make sure to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions to avoid complications.
Stay Hydrated
Water plays an important role in recovery by transporting vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to the surgical site. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water every day so that your body can heal. Try to carry a water bottle with you at all times. To improve recovery times and success rate after surgery, get in touch with expert dentists at Ford Dental Group. Call us at (714) 409-6161 to schedule an appointment.
