Implants are a great way to replace missing dentition in the mouth. Whether you’re only missing one of your natural teeth or several of them, you can benefit from implants as they are long-lasting and highly durable. Your dental implants can easily last for several decades without showing any signs of damage or wear. This is why they are often recommended in place of other procedures and restoration options.
What are Implants?
Implants are typically made out of titanium, making them a solid and durable restorative option. They can replace both the tooth itself as well as the roots, since the post of the implant is embedded deep into the bone of the jaw. Over the course of about six months to a year, the implant will osseointegrate with the bone. This simply refers to the process of the implant bonding with the bone and becoming part of the jaw. For some people, osseointegration takes as little as three months while others may need to wait for up to a year before the implant is fully healed.
How Long Will the Pain Last?
When your implant is placed, your body needs to heal in a few different ways. First, you need to heal from the surgery itself. The gums have to heal from the incision and you may feel soreness and tenderness around the jaw area from where the implant was placed. This particular pain should only last for about a week or two before your jaw feels normal again. Simple over-the-counter pain medication and salt water rinses can help to keep the pain and inflammation at bay.
However, it will take a few months for the implant itself to solidly fuse with the bone. During this time, the area may feel tender and sore, especially if you eat harder foods or try chewing on things that you should have otherwise avoided. This is why it is important to stick to a softer foods diet while the implant is healing. This helps to prevent pain and shifting of the implant. If you’re experiencing pain months after the implant was placed, it’s best to call the office to come in for an examination. We can determine if an infection is present and if the implant is healing properly.
Looking for a Dental Implant Provider Near You?
Having dental implants as a tooth replacement option is a great idea for many people. When you are interested in getting dental implants, you should call us to learn more about them and to schedule an appointment. When you call us, our friendly team can also schedule an appointment with you to meet with Dr. Dhanani, our dentist in Lake Jackson, TX. When you come in to meet with our team, you can find out if implants are right for you.
