When you have a rotten tooth, it’s easy to assume something must be done right away. After all, you don’t want that gap to get any bigger and more uncomfortable. However, there are numerous options for replacing missing teeth that might not be as alarming as you first assumed. If your dentist recommends dental implants as your best option for replacing a missing tooth, you may wonder if they’re right. Are they really better than other methods of tooth replacement? How long do they take to feel completely normal? Here is what you need to know about tooth implants and how long they will take to feel natural again.
On the contrary, implants do grow to feel natural just like real teeth. The posts inserted during the implantation procedure eventually fuse to the existing jaw bone, which means the implant itself doesn’t feel any different than the actual bone.
Dental implant recovery time
While it’s hard to pinpoint how long it will take for your gums to heal around dental implants, there are some general guidelines that can help you prepare for the process. For example, it’s normal for gums to be a little swollen or irritated in the first 48 hours after getting dental implants, but after that, the pain and swelling should start to subside.
If you experience pain, sensitivity, or bleeding that lasts longer than a few days, you should contact your dentist. The most challenging part of the recovery process is when the gums are healing and there isn’t a tooth attached to the implant yet.
Stiffness and swelling after tooth implant
When you first receive dental implants, you will likely experience some stiffness and swelling. This is normal and should subside within a few weeks. In fact, you may notice that your jaw feels heavier and more swollen as the swelling starts to go down.
During your recovery, it’s important to be gentle with your mouth, especially in the first few weeks. Avoid chewing on the area where your implants are being installed and try to keep your head upright while you sleep. If you need to lean over, try to keep your mouth closed or slightly open.
Dental implant eating restrictions
If you’re getting tooth implants, it’s important to know that you will probably have some eating restrictions during the healing process. Dentists recommend avoiding hard foods and very fibrous foods such as celery, raw carrots, and nuts (though some people can eat nuts with their implants).
In addition, you should also avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. It’s not necessary to avoid chewing completely, but it’s important to be gentle when you do. If you have discomfort, you can chew more with the side of your mouth that does not have dental implants installed.
Dental implant discomfort?
While dental implants may offer a more permanent option for replacing missing teeth, they’re not without their challenges. Because your gums are healing around the implants, you may experience some discomfort. There are a few things you can do to manage the discomfort.
It can take several months for the gums to completely heal. As your gums heal, they will shrink and become less sensitive. You can also try using warm saltwater mouthwash to reduce swelling, take over-the-counter pain medication as prescribed by your dentist, and avoid activities that put a lot of pressure on your mouth.
Should I be able to feel dental implants?
If your dental implant is done correctly, you wouldn’t even be conscious of having an implant. It should never, at any given time, feel like a foreign body in your mouth. If the implant is not properly seated on your gums, you will feel it wobble when you talk, eat, or touch it.
How long until a tooth implant feels normal?
After about 2-3 days, the area around your implant will be completely healed. You should feel no serious pain or discomfort, and there will be no bleeding and little to no swelling or bruising around the area. After 2-3 weeks you can resume strenuous physical activities like running and resume your normal diet.
Conclusion
Getting dental implants can be a great option for replacing missing teeth. While they’re not a quick fix, they can last a lifetime and offer a more permanent solution than other tooth replacement methods. Dental implants take a long time to heal, but they are worth the wait. You can expect to feel achy and sensitive during the healing process, but that should subside as your gums heal around the implants. While dental implants aren’t perfect for everyone, they can be a great option for replacing missing teeth and should last a lifetime.
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