Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Dental implants are a groundbreaking way to restore missing teeth, whether they’ve been lost by tooth decay, gum disease or trauma or they need to be extracted because of damage or infection.
Perhaps you’re curious about dental implants to replace missing teeth, or maybe you’ve already made up your mind that implants are your treatment plan of choice. You’re probably wondering what recovery from the procedure will look and feel like. Luckily, our Santa Cruz implant dentist is answering on the blog today some of the most commonly asked questions about healing after dental implant surgery.
What can I expect in the first 24 hours?
Our implant dentist in Scotts Valley will use numbing and/or sedation during the procedure, so you will not feel pain. Once the procedure is over, your mouth will be packed with gauze to help the blood properly clot. You should notice most of the bleeding stops within the first couple hours after the procedure, but don’t be alarmed if you see intermittent bleeding within the first 24 hours.
You may feel discomfort when the numbing agent starts wearing off. Our Los Gatos cosmetic dentist will recommend eating soft foods during this time and avoiding the affected site when brushing your teeth. If our office has prescribed a pain reliever, be sure that it is filled and ready for use. If not, many patients report that over-the-counter pain relievers have helped.
What can I expect in the first week?
Your ability to chew more foods will improve around Day 3, and you can graduate from soft foods to include foods like pasta and rice. Exercise should be slow and steady during the first week after surgery. Continue following the care instructions provided by our office at this time, including how to avoid the implant area when brushing your teeth.
What can I expect in the first two weeks?
Our office will schedule a follow-up visit during this time. You will likely be able to resume normal toothbrushing. The implant site may still feel a bit tender, but most of the healing will be complete.
What can I expect at the end of six months?
Your implant has become a seamless part of your smile by the sixth month after surgery. The jawbone has fused to the implant and is being stimulated, resulting in bone stability and a beautiful smile.
DENTAL IMPLANT CARE IN LOS GATOS, SCOTTS VALLEY, AND SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Dental implants are our preferred restoration treatment for missing teeth because implants are the closest we can get to replacing missing teeth with natural teeth. Our implant dentist in the Los Gatos, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz areas will provide detailed care instructions before and the day of your surgery, including any aftercare products you may need when you go home. If you have any questions about implants or aftercare, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. Our number is (831) 824-5111, or you can reach us online today
