Dental Implants: Procedure And Recovery Tips


Dental implant is a surgical process whereby a missing tooth is replaced. A tooth is divided into the root and crown section. The crown is the part covered with white enamel and it’s the one visible to us. The root support the crown with the root penetrating deep into the jawbone. Dental implant replaces the root section
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The implant has 3 sections; the crown, the implant device and abutment which serves as connector between the implant device itself and the crown. Implants are made of metal that has the same property of biological compatibility, durability and strength. Example of this metal is titanium. Osseointegration is the process by which the dental implants work and it occurs when titanium is been attached to bone cells directly. The colour of the implanted tooth is always made to match the colour of the replaced tooth so that they don’t look replaced.


Dental implant procedure

The dental implant surgery is done by a dentist. Local anaesthesia is used for the operation. Although, there are other forms of patient sedation that can be used. The surgical procedure differs from patient to patient as it depends on patient choice, surgeon’s choice and the clinical condition of the patient.
The most common way of placing dental implant is a “staged surgery” process. There is a one-stage, two stage surgery and three- stage surgery.
One-stage surgery
This method makes use of one-piece implant with a metal collar. It is a non-submerged implant that is designed in a way that it protrudes out of gum as healing occurs after the implantation.  After the healing period, the abutment can then be placed so that the croen can be connected and replace the tooth missing.
Two-stage surgery
This is almost like the one stage surgery, but it make used of two-piece implant. The temporary healing abutment is immediately connected to the implant. However, two-stage implant and one-stage implant have the same success rate.
Three-stage surgery
It is a three step process. The first stage involves the burying of the implant with the bone, that is, the part that replaces the root section, surgically underneath the gum.  This ensures that the implant is protected from force while healing. After the healing period, the dental implant is exposed surgically by removal of gums overlying it.
 At the second stage, the success of osseointegration is checked by the surgeon. Then, the abutment is penetrated through the gum. The gum is also allowed to heal and the abutment forms a collar that creates access for the dentist at the third stage.
The third stage is the final restorative stage in which the crown (prosthetic tooth) is placed.

Dental Implant Recovery Tips

After dental implant surgery, the area of the implant should be well taken care of. Below are some of the dental recovery cares you must ensure;
  • Splitting, touching and rinsing of mouth must be avoided at the first 24 hours of surgery.
  • Have a good bed rest at the first day of surgery. Try to limit your activities.
  • In dealing with dental implant pain, take pain reliever. It is advisable to start taking the pain reliever before the pain starts.
  • Take the antibiotics given to you by your surgeon to prevent teeth and gum infection.
  • In dealing with bleeding, place a gauze pack over the area and bite strongly to reduce the bleeding. Note that bleeding after the surgery is normal but becomes abnormal if it occurs for more than 24 hours
  • Drink a lot of water and avoid eating nuts and hard foods. Eat soft foods at the initial stage. Avoid the use of straw on the first 4 days of the surgery.
  • Brush your teeth as usual to ensure good hygiene and do not disturb the wound on the implant site. Keep the surgical site clean. Use lip balms to avoid a dry lip. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water for 2-3 times a day.
  • In case of stiff jaw, stretch the muscles to help in faster resolution of it. Note that stiff jaw occurs normally after the surgery.
  • You can apply ice packs to swellings at the first 48 hour to minimize the swelling on the face.
  • At the first 10day of surgery, ensure you wear your night guard or prosthesis.

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