Dental Implant Healing Time: What to Expect

A dental implant is perhaps the best way to restore a missing tooth. But, if you've been reading about implants and heard that they may require a lengthy healing timeline, then you may feel a bit intimidated by this process. 

But, is it really as complicated as it sounds? 

Here's what you need to know about the recovery period of a dental implant. 

How Long Does It Take for a Dental Implant to Heal? 

The short and honest answer is that it depends. For example, if your oral health is in good condition and you don't need any additional surgery, then you will only need to wait for a few months for the metal implant to be integrated with the jawbone. But, if you've lost bone mass and need a bone graft, then that procedure can significantly impact the duration of the healing period. That's because you will need for your jawbone to get strong enough before the actual metal post can be implanted. 

It can take anywhere between a couple of weeks and two months for the bone graft to heal. 

The Recovery Timeline of a Dental Implant 

Once your McAllen dentist has determined that your oral health is in good condition and all issues have been addressed, then it's time for the actual implant to be inserted. 

There are two recovery periods after the implant. First, you will need to recover from the actual surgery of having the post inserted into your jawbone. Depending on your health, it can take about five days to a week to fully recover. You may feel a bit of discomfort and pain in the first 24 hours. You should also stick to a soft food diet for a few days to allow the implant site to heal. 

The next part involves osseointegration and it can take up to six months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Make sure you are practicing good oral hygiene during this period and are mindful of your lifestyle choices to help the healing process.

Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, you will require another small surgery during which the abutment will be placed. The recovery period after this restorative dentistry procedure can take about two weeks and you can expect some pain and swelling in the first few days. 

After the abutment, it's time for the final step - placing the artificial tooth. Once this step is over, all you need to do is to follow simple oral health habits to keep your implant healthy. 

Dental Implants at North Park Dental 

Getting a dental implant seems like a long and dreadful process, but the benefits are remarkable. You will restore the look and functionality of your teeth and improve your oral health. 

At North Park Dental, you will find a team of professionals who will be next to you every step of the way, guiding you and answering all of your questions. 

Get in touch with us now to book your appointment with Dr. Ricardo Munoz. 

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