Dental Implant Recovery

Dental implants are an excellent option for patients with gaps in their smile, or who need teeth extracted (pulled). Dr. Smith places implants using the most up to date and effective technology and materials. At Spokane Dental, we know that a dental implant can make a huge impact on a patient’s quality of life, whether it is to replace a tooth, secure a partial denture or bridge, or seat a full denture. One of the most frequent questions we are asked when a patient is considering dental implants is “What’s the recovery like?”

Be Ready for Rest Mode

The day of the procedure should be completely blocked out, and the patient should be prepared to rest. Although it is a small procedure, it is still essential for the body and mouth to recover with adequate rest.

The Bone Needs to Heal

The success of a dental implant is based upon osseointegration, or the bone surrounding the implant integrating into the implant itself. Osseointegration is what makes an implant able to look, feel, and act like a normal tooth. The post that is placed into a patient’s jaw bone can take several months for the bone around it to fully grow into it. This mimics the roots of a natural tooth, and creates a base for the crown to attach and eventually be used in normal chewing.

Take Home Care Seriously

For the health of the implant, it is vital to have good home care. For osseointegration to be successful, the bacterial load surrounding the tooth needs to be managed well. Brushing and cleaning gently around the implant and between the teeth keeps the bacteria and plaque at bay. Dr. Smith and your Spokane Dental team can help choose the right tools and go over proper procedure to clean around the implant without damaging the gums.

Over The Counter Medication is Sufficient

Because a dental implant procedure is a minor surgery, over the counter medication is sufficient for pain control. After resting the day of the procedure, patients are back on their feet the next day and ready for normal life. Dr. Smith will go over pain control and the best pain management protocol with patients while in the office.

Each and every patient is different, and we recognize that and treat everyone as individuals on their oral health journey. Dr. Smith uses state of the art technology to plan and then place dental implants precisely, according to each individual’s anatomy. Our friendly office staff, hygienists, and assistants are there to support our patients as well. If you are interested in a dental implant, just need a cleaning, or have any dental questions give us a call today at (509)822-5614.