A dental implant is a surgical procedure that allows a fixture to be placed into the jawbone, and it fuses with the bone over several months. They are used to fix your smile, replace natural teeth, support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Having a fixture fused in your jawbone is the nearest thing to copying an original tooth because it stands on its own without affecting any nearby teeth. Learn more about dental implants here.

A common question we get is how long it takes to go through the recovery process. Since this is a custom procedure, there are many variables, and your mouth’s state and shape are unique. Therefore, we recommend that you call us or book an appointment for more information beyond what is listed here.

1. How long do I need to wait after extraction before I can get an implant?
   One of the first variables is whether or not you will need to undergo extractions. Of course, unhealthy teeth need to come out. However, in some instances, removing a few healthy teeth can make the process significantly more affordable. This way, it’s handled on a case-by-case basis and discussed with you beforehand.
   
   If your jaw bone is healthy, you may receive your dental implant on the day of the extraction. However, this may not be possible if your bones are damaged or infected. In these instances, the process may require bone grafting.
2. When will I receive my permanent crowns?
   You will likely have temporary crowns when you leave our dental office. These crowns will act like regular teeth until you receive your permanent crowns or caps. It usually takes 4-6 months for your jawbone to heal and fuse with the implant. You will receive your permanent crowns once your jawbone has healed completely. In some cases, patients receive their permanent crowns on the day of the surgery.
3. Can I eat my favorite foods with a dental implant?
   You’ll need to eat softer foods during the recovery process so your mouth and jawbone can heal properly. Stay away from foods that are sticky or hard to chew at that time. Once you fully recover, you’ll be able to go back to your regular eating habit.
4. Do anything other than food affect recovery time?
   Your dental implant recovery time can be affected by the following:
   1. How many dental implants you receive.
   2. Whether you have a healthy bone for your implants to bond to or if you need bone grafting.
   3. There may be factors unique to your mouth and body that affect healing.
   4. Your treatment plan and whether you follow it.
   5. Diabetes can affect healing time because it affects circulation, which is a critical factor in healing.
5. Can I brush/floss my dental implant?
   Yes! Brush them twice daily. Floss around a single implant as you would a natural tooth. If you have a bridge or an arch, you will need to clean under them using a water flosser. While implants are not vulnerable to cavities, the gum around them is still vulnerable to infections, as with natural teeth. In addition, a buildup of plaque around the base of the implant can negatively impact how long it will last you. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is also necessary for long-term dental implant success.
6. What can I do to speed up the recovery process?
   Follow your dentist’s guidelines. However, here are some general tips for dental implant recovery:
   1. Avoid blowing your nose; if you have to sneeze, make sure your mouth is open to avoid sinus pressure.
   2. Do not smoke or chew tobacco products, particularly in the first week following surgery. Smoking or chewing tobacco can negatively impact healing and cause dental implants to fail.
   3. It is important not to lift or pull your lips up to see your stitches, as this may cause tearing or cause irritation to your gums.
   4. Using a straw to drink liquid is not recommended. Doing so creates a vacuum in your mouth, which can damage tissues impacted by the procedure.
   5. Avoid very hot foods.
   6. For pressure relief, apply a cold compress to the sides of the face.

Dr. Salim Kapadia performs dental implant procedures from start to finish with maximum precision at an affordable cost. You do not need to go to different dentists for the surgical and restorative phases. At Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre, all your dental implant needs are taken care of in one location by Dr. Salim Kapadia himself. So if you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre in the heart of Scarborough, on Markham Road, for the best dental implants at an affordable cost.