Dental implants are an attractive solution to missing teeth because they provide a strong and stable base for replacement teeth. The implants fuse with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration) to create a permanent, reliable structure that can support natural-looking and comfortable replacement teeth. But before the dentist can fit you with replacement teeth, it’s necessary to allow the implant site to heal after the surgery. This typically takes a few weeks to several months, depending on your individual healing response.송파임플란트치과
During the implant treatment period, we ask patients to stick with a soft food diet. They should avoid biting or chewing on the surgical site, and they should also take care not to dislodge the healing collar. Depending on the dentist and patient’s preferences, it may be possible to switch over to a harder diet as the healing progresses.
After the initial surgery, a small band of gauze will be placed over the implant site. The patient will bite down on this to encourage the formation of a blood clot. Some bleeding is normal, and it can last a few hours or more. Pain and discomfort are minimal after the procedure, thanks to numbing and sedation. If needed, a prescription or over-the-counter painkiller can be taken as directed by your doctor. Putting an ice pack on the area can reduce swelling and help with pain and discomfort.
For the first 3-6 months after the surgery, the implant site will heal around the artificial root. During this time, the implant site will gradually fuse with the bone tissue. This is a crucial phase of the treatment. When the implant site is properly healed, we can move on to Phase 2.
During this stage, the abutment, or connecting piece, will be attached to the implant. This allows you to eat and speak normally, though we recommend eating on the opposite side of the mouth for a few weeks after surgery. During this time, it’s important to keep the implant clean by rinsing and brushing your other teeth regularly, but not directly over the implant site. After about a week, you should begin brushing the implant site as well, but don’t chew hard or crunchy foods on that side of your mouth.
Once the abutment is in place, we can usually fit the final replacement tooth or restoration to the implant. This is usually a crown, but it can also be a bridge or denture.
The amount of time it takes to complete a dental implant treatment depends on many factors, including the initial surgery and how well the patient follows post-treatment instructions. Some patients have additional procedures, like bone grafting or tooth extractions, which can lengthen the treatment time. The patient’s age can also influence how quickly the implant heals. Younger people generally heal faster than older patients. Certain medical conditions, such as anemia or blood disorders, can also increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. The grinding of teeth, called bruxism, can also damage the implant and surrounding bone.서울0.1치과의원