What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are special screws, usually made from titanium, that are used to anchor artificial replacement teeth within your mouth. As your jawbone heals after the initial implant, these screws bond closely with your jaw. This allows people to avoid dealing with dentures, even if they need a very significant dental restoration – for example, a bridge that includes several replacement teeth.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Dental Implants?
Dental implant recovery time will depend on a number of factors. The patient’s age at the time of the implant, as well as the number of implants and the surgical methods used, will all play a role.
That said, a dental implant is a quick procedure with a relatively low risk of complications. It usually takes only about an hour to place one implant. The total time in extensive cases may be a few hours.
Most patients recover completely from their dental implant surgery within 4-6 months. The total amount of recovery time may increase if you required a bone graft to add greater jawbone density.
That said, your dentist will often recommend several follow-up visits in the course of your dental implant recovery. X-rays are typically taken of the jawbone so your dental team can verify your jaw is healing correctly. A few rare health conditions can disqualify you from dental implants.
Discomfort related to dental implant surgery is minimal. Early on, some swelling, tenderness, and a potential for limited jaw movement are all possibilities. However, regular jaw function and comfort should return within a short time. It’s important to watch for any unusual symptoms.
Contact your dentist if you notice a rise in jaw, tooth, or gum pain, or changes in movement.
How Do You Maintain Your Dental Implants?
The most important thing you can do to maintain your dental implants is continue to brush and floss on a daily basis. Although restorations may be impervious to usual dental decay, enamel around them is not. Likewise, your gums depend on regular brushing for healthy blood flow.
Patients who take care of their teeth through brushing and flossing are very unlikely to ever have problems with their dental implants. Most dental implants are intended to last for 30 years or more without any form of maintenance. They should never have to be replaced.
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