Missing one or more teeth is often a significant concern. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, it can cause functional issues when you eat or speak, or affect your confidence if it is in a visible area of your mouth. Fortunately, dental implants are a reliable way to restore both aesthetics and full function to your mouth after tooth loss. Getting dental implants is typically a three-step process, and many patients wonder how long it takes to heal, as they are anxious to have a complete smile again.
In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know about the healing process after dental implant surgery so you can plan accordingly.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?
- How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?
- Stages of Dental Implant Healing
- What Can Affect the Healing of My Dental Implant?
- How to Avoid Delaying the Healing of Your Dental Implant
What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?
Traditional dental implants are completed in two parts: First, the titanium or zirconium implant post is surgically placed in your jaw. The implant post functions as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant post has fused with your jaw (in a process called osseointegration), the abutment is placed. The abutment connects the post to the crown, which is the part of the implant that looks and feels like a natural tooth. At the time the abutment is placed, you are fitted for a custom crown, which then takes about two weeks to fabricate.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?
The healing time after dental implants varies depending on the complexity of your procedure. For example, if you require a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or both before receiving an implant, your healing time will differ from that of someone who simply needs an implant with no preparatory work. In general, you can expect dental implant healing times to be as follows:
- Dental implant without extraction: Three to six months for osseointegration, plus one week between abutment placement and custom crown placement.
- Dental implant with extraction: 6–12 months, which includes 3–6 months for healing after the extraction, 3–6 months for osseointegration, plus 1–2 weeks between abutment placement and custom crown placement.
- Dental implant with bone grafting: 6–12 months, which includes 3–6 months for healing after the bone graft, 3–6 months for osseointegration, plus 1–2 weeks between abutment placement and custom crown placement.
- Full-mouth immediate-load implants (All-on-4®): Three to six months for osseointegration; you will have a temporary full-mouth prosthesis during healing. If you require bone grafting or extractions for your All-on-4® implants, they will be performed at the same time as implant post placement.
Stages of Dental Implant Healing
Stage 1: Immediately After Implant Placement
Dental implant placement may be an outpatient procedure, but your body immediately begins repairing the area once surgery is complete. During the first 24 hours, rest is critical. Avoid chewing on the implant side, and skip strenuous activity to prevent bleeding or increased swelling.
Mild bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal at this stage. Applying ice packs in short intervals and keeping your head elevated can help reduce inflammation. Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical site.
Take any prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed. A protective blood clot will form over the implant site, which is essential for healing. To keep the clot intact, avoid using a straw, forcefully spitting, or aggressively rinsing. Always follow Dr. Sands’ specific aftercare instructions carefully.
Stage 2: Soft Tissue Healing (1–2 Weeks)
During the first and second weeks, the gum tissue begins closing around the implant or healing abutment. Some tenderness and swelling may persist, but will gradually improve.
Continue eating soft foods, and avoid placing any pressure on the surgical area. Maintain good oral hygiene practices by gently and carefully brushing the surrounding teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Do not brush directly over the implant site until cleared by Dr. Sands. Saltwater rinses or antibacterial mouthwash may be recommended to reduce bacteria and support healing.
Stage 3: Bone Healing (3–6 Months)
The final stage of dental implant healing, known as osseointegration, is complete once your jawbone has fused to the implant post. Osseointegration typically takes three to six months. While you may resume normal activities, avoid excessive pressure on the implant.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits helps ensure successful integration of the implant post. Once your dentist confirms that the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the final crown can be placed, restoring both function and appearance.
What Can Affect the Healing of My Dental Implant?
Each stage of dental implant healing depends on protecting the surgical site and allowing your body to regenerate naturally. It is also influenced by other factors, including:
- The number of teeth replaced
- If extraction or bone grafting was required
- Your oral health, especially your jawbone density, and whether your gums are healthy
- Age and overall health
Even though everyone’s dental implant healing process is unique to their body and circumstances, in general, most patients can expect to go through similar healing stages.
How to Avoid Delaying the Healing of Your Dental Implant
To avoid delayed healing after your dental implant placement, it is important to remember some dos and don’ts.
Dos:
- Rinse your mouth with salt water and spit gently.
- Apply ice to your face to help minimize swelling.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
Don’ts:
- Don’t brush your teeth too aggressively.
- Don’t touch or poke at the implant site.
Don’t eat hot, spicy, sticky, or hard foods.
- Don’t chew on the implant side before healing is complete.
- Don’t smoke or use nicotine products.
- Don’t engage in strenuous physical activity too quickly after surgery.
With patience, care, and regular follow-up appointments, your dental implant will heal properly and provide a strong, long-lasting replacement for your missing tooth.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Beverly Hills
Don’t let a missing tooth keep you from living your life to the fullest. If you’re ready to explore your dental implant options in Beverly Hills, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Sands. He will examine your mouth and create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore function, aesthetics, and confidence. To make an appointment, call our office today at (310) 273-0111, or complete the online contact form.