To get prepared for dental implant treatment, it’s important to think ahead to healing as well as researching what the procedure involves and how long it takes.
This not only will make you feel more prepared for your treatment but can improve the chances of implant success and can improve the outcomes.
So, for a heads up on what to expect, find out more from dental implants London-based experts, Marylebone Implant Centre.
Why do dental implants heal in different stages?
While it can seem surprising, the dental implant procedure itself occurs in various stages, so healing follows a similar pattern.
Depending on the type of dental implants you choose, the crowns or bridge can be fitted on surgery day (immediate placement or teeth in a day implants) or after a period of healing (delayed placement).
As such, it’s important to speak to your expert implantologist about what to expect during your dental implant consultation.
What are the dental implant healing stages?
The surgical stage
This stage describes the process of fitting the dental implant itself.
While it will likely differ from patient to patient, it typically involves:
- Making surgical incisions
- Drilling a hole into the bone
- Placing the implant
- Taking scans to ensure the implant placement is correct
For more information on what will happen during this stage, be sure to ask us exactly what the surgical stage will involve – our implantologists will be happy to talk you through it.
The osseointegration healing stage
Osseointegration is an essential process that ensures that dental implants will last for years to come – without it, implants would be loose in the jaw and be completely unusable.
Osseointegration is the scientific term for bone ingrowth into and around a metal implant which anchors it into the jawbone.
Most dental implants are highly engineered to improve outcomes, including:
- Roughening the surface to help bone and soft tissues adhere
- Coating the implants with bio-substances to boost healing times
Taking place over 3-6 months, osseointegration cannot be rushed as it allows the implants to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
The post-implant healing stage
Occurring simultaneously with the osseointegration healing stage, the post-implant healing stage is the one most often considered by patients when they think of recovery.
There are a few things you should be doing at this time to help with healing, including:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
As part of the aftercare and healing process, you must return to a normal brushing and flossing regime as soon as you can.
Similarly, it is often encouraged to rinse the mouth once or twice a day to help remove debris and bacteria, especially right after your implants are fitted and your surgical site is tender.
- Avoiding or giving up smoking/vaping
Smoking places limitations on your body’s healing potential by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the gums and helping oral bacteria to develop – so giving up smoking or vaping should be a priority.
Doing so can also lower your risk of implant infection, too, so it’s a real win-win.
- Choose softer, easier-to-eat foods
Just after your implants are fitted, you may be tender at the incision site and feel nervous about very chewy or tough foods.
So, why not indulge in softer meals and slow cooker favourites, which are often easier to eat, simple to cook, and just as nutritious and delicious?
You won’t feel like you are missing out and will still give your body everything it needs to heal well.
- Follow aftercare stringently
Aftercare advice is always carefully given here at Marylebone Implant Centre to ensure you know what you need to do to take care of your dental implants.
Although it might change patient by patient, this generally includes:
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- Taking any prescribed medications – including pain relief and antibiotics
- Attending all follow-up appointments
- Avoiding strenuous activity and resting
The restoration stage
This stage can be the most exciting for patients as it is when the dental implants are sufficiently healed and can be topped with their bespoke crown, bridge, or denture, if relevant.
Giving you a complete smile for the first time in potentially years!
Choose MIC for dental implants in London
With a welcoming, professional staff and the expertise needed to make dental implant treatment a possibility for almost anyone, Marylebone Implant Centre looks forward to guiding you through your implant journey.
From your initial consultation right through to placing your final restoration and giving you the complete and even smile you have always dreamt of.
To book a consultation or for more information, feel free to us call on 020 3285 6142 or email the team at [email protected].