Dental implants are a comfortable, state-of-the-art solution to restore missing teeth. Permanent dental implants have a 96% survival rate and consist of three parts:

1. Titanium Post: acts as a strengthened tooth root.
2. Metal Abutment: connects the post and restoration.
3. Porcelain Restoration: usually a crown, bridge, or denture.

At Dr. Sharon Mateja’s practice in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry with a focus on preventative care. Our knowledgeable staff serve individuals and families to help them achieve and maintain their long-term oral health goals. Here, we discuss  five things to expect after dental implant surgery.

What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

Bone grafting and implant surgeries have similar side effects and aftercare. Proper care should lead to a shorter healing time.

Surgical procedures, such as a bone graft or the placement of dental implants, can cause you to be more susceptible to pain, swelling, infection, and blood loss. Mild diet changes will need to be made to encourage healing.

Pain Relief

You may experience some pain at the incision site as the anesthesia wears off. 

• Take pain medication as prescribed for severe pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers every three to four hours for moderate pain.

Eliminate Bacterial Growth

The oral surgeon may prescribe a round of antibiotics to prevent infection. Please take the antibiotic as directed and do not share your prescription with others.

You may also be prescribed a chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash to reduce bacterial growth that leads to plaque and gingivitis.

Reduce Swelling

Apply a cold compress to the cheek as much as possible during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.

Control Excessive Bleeding

Some blood is normal after dental implant surgery. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply gauze to the laceration for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and call our Rancho Cucamonga office for further instructions.

Enjoy Healing Foods

The most beneficial foods after dental implant surgery are nutritious, soft, liquid, and cold. After consuming food, rinse your mouth out with chilled water to remove foreign particles.

Implant Surgery Timeline

Dental implants typically require multiple surgeries with healing time in between to ensure complete osseointegration. Osseointegration occurs when the implant merges with the natural bone below the gum line. 

Prerequisite Surgery

Bone loss may affect the health of your gums and teeth. If jaw bone density is insufficient, we may refer you to an oral surgeon to perform bone graft surgery before placing the dental implant. The surgeon will acquire bone tissue from elsewhere and surgically fuse it to the existing jaw bone. Bone graft healing may take a few weeks to a few months.

First Implant Surgery

When the jaw is sturdy enough to support the implant, we will refer you to an oral surgeon who will make an incision in the gums to expose the bone, and then surgically insert the titanium post into the lower jaw. This first implant surgery takes an average of four to six months to heal.

Second Implant Surgery

The abutment and temporary restoration is placed during the second dental implant surgery. Over two to three weeks, your gum tissue will grow over the abutment. After the abutment has healed, the permanent restoration will be placed.

Discuss Dental Implant Options Today

On average, dental implants take three months to six months to heal but can last a lifetime with proper aftercare. Request a dental implant consultation by calling our Rancho Cucamonga office at (909) 989-5959 or message us online.