Implant healing progresses in phases. It starts with immediate post surgery care and ends with full recovery depending on the patient’s response as every patient’s healing journey is different. But there are few common stages in every patient’s journey.

HOW TO TAKE CARE POST IMPLANT SURGERY

Diet

Food plays a crucial role after surgery as hard or spicy food may cause severe pain. Hence, soft food and juices are advised. Follow your dentist’s advice.

Medicines

Take prescribed medicines and painkillers as directed by your dentist.

Ice application

Ice application should be done on the swollen area for 10 mins at least for 2 days after surgery.

HABITS TO BE AVOIDED

  • SMOKING

  • DRINKING ALCOHOL

  • TOBACCO CHEWING

This can alter the healing process

STAGES

WEEK 1 : IMMEDIATE DENTAL IMPLANT HEALING POST SURGERY

SURGERY DAY AND POST OPERATIVE CARE

After the implant placement or surgery you may experience swelling,pain or minor discomfort. One may feel drowsy or discomfort due to local anesthesia given during the surgery. Swelling usually lasts for 24 - 48 hrs hence cold fomentation (ice application) is advised. Bleeding can occur for 24 hrs after the surgery, if it doesn’t stop consult your dentist.

WEEK 2 : HEALING PROCESS

By this stage the swelling should be reduced and healing should start. One may experience tenderness in gums ,but not the pain. This is the stage where gums start recovering and bone particles adapting the implant, is called ossoeintegration.

Care :

  • Continue eating soft food
  • Avoid chewing or biting at the implant site.
  • Salt water rinse may help to reduce swelling.

WEEK 3 : EARLY BONE INTEGRATION

By this stage , osseointegration begins. (this is when your bone starts fusing with the implant, crucial for long term implant stability).

Symptoms of healing :

  • At this point swelling and pain should be minimal.
  • Gums will start recovering rapidly and less discomfort should felt while eating and chewing.

Care to be taken :

  • Use salt water to rinse which will help reduce the swelling (Twice a day)

  • One can resume normal activity but not intense physical activity.

  • Strenuous exercise should be avoided.

  • Maintain oral hygiene.

  • Brushing and flossing should be done regularly.

WEEK 4 : OSSEOINTEGRATION

Osseointegration is the key of implant placement. In this process, your jawbone fuses with implants to ensure long term stability . This process can take several months to completely integrate your implant with bone .

At this stage your gums will heal and your discomfort will reduce.

Your body will start accepting the implant.

Pain should subside at this stage.

Care :

  • Now you can have normal food, but avoid excess of chewing and strenuous exercise of facial muscles.

  • Good oral hygiene should be maintained

Mandatory Habits :

  • Checkups are mandatory to ensure that your implant stabilizes well.

  • Osseointegration is evaluated by regular x-ray taken by dentist

  • Your dentist may check for the early signs of complications, if any.

WEEK 6-12 : IMPLANT HEALING AND GUM MATURATION

By this week your implant almost fully integrates with the bone . Stability is achieved by this week.

Signs And Symptoms :

  • Now you may experience no pain at this stage.

  • The gum completely heals at this stage.

  • Osseointegration progresses rapidly.

Diet :

  • You can go back to your normal diet.

  • Avoid excess chewing.

Care :

  • Oral hygiene is of utmost importance.

  • Soft bristle brush should be used for brushing your teeth and flossing should be done.

  • Don't forget to brush near the implant without disturbing it.

AFTER 3 MONTHS : CROWN PLACEMENT

After 3-6 months of implant placement your dentist will place an abutment and crown on their implant which is the final step of your implant treatment.

Gums :

By this stage your gums are completely healed and healthy.

Bone :

Osseointegration is complete by this time and your bone has completely accepted the implant .

Your implant becomes firm by this time and is ready to bear the crown weight.

FINAL STEP :

Your dentist will place the crown and check for the fit and alignment of the crown and make the adjustment if needed to provide you comfort.

POST RESTORATION INSTRUCTION

  • Don’t forget to maintain oral hygiene .

  • Flossing and brushing is mandatory to increase the lifespan of implants.

  • Regular checkups with your dentist are necessary.