Dental Implant Recovery

Typically, it takes three to six months to fully heal after dental implant placement. As with any surgery, dental implant recovery requires patients to follow a set of instructions and take precautions to ensure proper healing. Dr. Robert W. Hessberger in Chicago, IL, will ensure that you have the guidance and information you need to minimize your risk of complications. He will schedule regular checkups to monitor your progress and determine when to proceed with the final steps in your treatment.

How Long Will It Take to Heal?

After your dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, it will take about three to six months for them to fuse with the bone. The amount of time it takes you to recover will depend on a variety of factors, including your body's natural capacity to heal.

Recovery Guidelines

Strictly following your dental implant recovery guidelines can help you prevent serious complications such as infection or dental implant failure.

Post-Surgery Diet

For the first few days after surgery, you should follow a soft food diet that can include:

Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Pasta
Applesauce  
Pudding 
Oatmeal

Additionally, it is important that you avoid hot or spicy foods to avoid irritation. Rice, nuts, and other foods that can get stuck in crevices are also not recommended. You should not use straws either, since sucking can dislodge blood clots. It is also important to avoid alcohol until Dr. Hessberger determines it is safe to resume moderate consumption. 

*Saltwater rinses are a simple, gentle way to cleanse the treatment area following your surgery.*

 

Oral Hygiene

While it important to maintain your oral hygiene during your recovery, you must exercise caution around the treatment area. Saltwater rinses several times each day will help to keep the area clean. 

Strictly following your dental implant recovery guidelines can help you prevent serious complications such as infection or dental implant failure.

Physical Activity

Immediately following your surgery, you should spend the day resting. Exercise, strenuous activities, and actions such as bending and lifting should be avoided for about three to four days. Dr. Hessberger will determine when it is safe to resume any strenuous activity.

Managing Side Effects 

For the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience:

• Minor bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Sore throat
• Dry lips
• Stiff jaw muscles

Typically, most of these symptoms will resolve after about three days. To help manage your discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain medication as well as ice packs on the sides of your face. To minimize bruising, you can apply a moist heat compress.

Ongoing Checkups
As you recover, Dr. Hessberger will schedule periodic checkups to monitor your progress. This will allow him to make sure that the treatment site is free of issues, and to know when the implants and bone tissue have completely fused. Once this fusion is complete, he can begin treating the site in preparation for your permanent restorations. 

Your Health is Our Priority
If you have any questions or concerns about dental implant recovery, contact us online or call us at (773) 792-5562. Dr. Hessberger and his team are committed to helping you restore your smile.