IMPLANT RESOURCES

Getting used to dental implants

You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to get used to and enjoy your new smile. Learn the implant expert-approved tips to make healing and your new daily life easier.

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Preparing for next steps

With implants, it’s common for your journey to begin with other forms of care. How long it takes for you to get comfortable with your implants depends on your unique treatment plan, so here’s what you need to know to stay prepared:

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Healing your smile

Common pre-work procedures

When getting dental implants, you may need:

Extractions to remove teeth
Bone grafting (a procedure to restore your jaw bone)
Same-day placement as your extractions (if your body allows)

With any of these procedures, it’s completely normal to expect discomfort, bleeding and swelling within the first 24-72 hours. While you likely won’t feel much from your procedure(s) due to the use of anesthetics, we’ll help you stay comfortable post-procedure with over the counter pain medications.

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Adjusting to implants

Healing from implant placement

If your oral health or bone health doesn’t allow for same-day placement as your extractions, which is completely normal, you’ll need an additional visit to place your implants. During this procedure, you’ll have the titanium implants placed in your jaw bone. After the procedure, we’ll give you’ll go home with a healing cap and temporary tooth or a healing denture, so you’re never without your smile.

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Final restoration

Complete your smile

It can take 4 or more months to completely heal because your implant is bonding to your bone. After it’s fully bonded, you’ll be ready for your final crown or denture. Once we’ve placed either, your new smile will function similar to your original smile, which means yearly checkups and good oral hygiene are a must for your daily routine.

Healing your smile

Within 24 hours after you’ve had a pre-treatment surgery or your implant placement surgery, your rest and recovery is top priority. Prepare the following beforehand so you’re comfortable when you need it the most:

TIP 1: MEAL PREP

Stay nourished

After a procedure, you may not feel like eating. Stay healthy with quick meals such as smoothies, protein shakes, mashed potatoes, eggs, yogurt and juice.

Avoid: spicy food, hot tea or coffee, extremely cold foods and alcoholic beverages.

TIP 2: HOME PREP

Stock up on supplies

Some swelling, bruising or run-off from your mouth can be normal at this stage of healing. Prepare towels, face cloths, gauze and ice packs as recommended by your doctor.

Expert insight: After 36 hours, moist heat can help reduce any lingering swelling or bruising.

TIP 3: SLEEP PREP

Make your bed

It’s also normal to experience excess saliva from your mouth as it heals. Prepare a reclining chair or pillows on your bed to remain upright when sleeping, or follow any instructions provided your doctor.

TIP 4: MEDICATION PREP

Prep your meds

Prep medications you currently take, over the counter pain meds, antibiotics or any other meds your dentist prescribed, so they’re ready to go. Keep a cup of water near your sleeping set up too.

Need-to-know: 24 hours

In the first 24 to 72 hours after your procedure(s), do not brush your teeth, spit, smoke, rinse your mouth, exercise or use tobacco products or a straw. Skipping these will help minimize irritation, excess bleeding and the risk of infection at the area where your implants were placed.

Adjusting to dental implants

In the weeks following your placement procedure, discomfort should be behind you. When you’re ready, add these tips into your daily routine:

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Enjoy a secure fit and all-day wear without gels or adhesives.

Ease into eating

While the settlement of your implants can take up to 4 to 6 months to heal, within the first few weeks you’ll be able to get back to normal foods and gently brush your gums and teeth again.

Get your ZZZs

After the first 3 to 5 days of healing, you’ll be ready to sleep normally again without a recliner or pillows to prop you up.

SMILE COMPLETE

Final restoration

Once you’re fully healed, it’s time to —you’re ready for your final smile! During your final restoration, we’ll craft your new crown or denture and place it in your smile, so you can get back to living the way you love—with implants.

Questions?

If these are any of your symptoms, call your local Forever Dental care team to set up a follow-up visit as soon as possible.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

Your implant placement procedure takes as little as a day, while healing can take up to 3 to 4 months. Getting dental implants depends on your current oral health, the health of your jaw bone and if we can place your implants on the same day as any extractions you need. For a more information on how long it will take for you to get dental implants, schedule a consultation with your local Implant expert.

What is a failed implant?

A failed implant refers to an implant that hasn’t fully bonded with your bone, meaning the bone hasn’t healed around the implant, securing it within your jaw. While this is rare, signs of a failed implant can include:

A loose or movable implant
Pain
Swelling
Infection

If you’re concerned that your dental implant hasn’t properly fused with your bone, follow-up treatment options are available. Give your local Forever Dental care team a call to schedule a follow-up as soon as possible so we can get you comfortable and enjoy your implants again.

What is a bone graft?

Bone grafting refers to a surgical procedure that transplants bone to restore a damaged or diseased section of your jaw bone. Bone grafting can help ensure there is enough bone to correctly place your dental implant.