While the recovery process from dental implant procedures varies from patient to patient, there are a few general aspects that are experienced by most individuals. Typically, you can expect some degree of temporary swelling and minor bleeding in the gums after the implants have been placed; however, discomfort is usually minimal and can be alleviated with medication. The implants will need several months of osseointegration (fusion with the jawbone) before the next stage of the procedure – the fitting of the custom dental crown – will be performed. With that in mind, the length of the osseointegration process also varies depending on each patient’s unique oral anatomy and the number of dental implants that are being placed. Some patients may need less time than others before the implant has adequately fused itself onto the bone. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, will meet with you in follow-up appointments to check on the progress of the implants and will determine the appropriate time to place the permanent crown, which will complete the treatment.
A soft-food diet will be necessary for five to seven days after the implant surgery. It’s also important to remember to maintain good oral hygiene, particularly with any temporary restorations that have been placed on the implants after surgery. The failure to brush and floss properly is one of the most common causes of implant failure – without daily cleaning, an infection could set in.
Dr. Wu does everything he can to make the recovery process as swift and comfortable as possible. One of the measures he has taken is to utilize advanced technology, such as guided implant surgery with 3D Cone Beam Imaging, which can help reduce risks of complications and therefore minimize recovery time. During your initial consultation, Dr. Wu will evaluate your needs and talk more with you about what to expect after your dental implant surgery.