Full Mouth Dental Implants Recovery Time

There are a number of options to consider when you need to have multiple teeth replaced. Even if you need your entire mouth restored, traditional dentures are not your only choice! Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth; they can be used to replace a single tooth or your entire mouth. Dental implants can even be used to support other dental restorations such as bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures. They are more stable and are easier to care for than other dental restorations. The only drawback for some may be the recovery time.

How long is the recovery time for having dental implants placed?

Implants take about six months to fully heal. This may sound quite daunting but you will actually be able to go back to school or work the day after your surgery. The full healing over a six-month period allows the implant to integrate with your jawbone and the gum tissue to completely heal before any restoration is placed onto the implant. You will have some restrictions while you heal but for the most part, you should be able to continue with your normal habits and routines after a couple of weeks.

Post-Surgery Restrictions and Medications

For a few days immediately following surgery, you will likely be instructed to stick to a liquid diet before you begin to integrate soft foods. If you have a job that is physically demanding, you may need to ask for less strenuous work for about a month. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Osseointegration

This term refers to the implant integrating with your jawbone. This is what causes the healing time to be so long since it is the only way to make sure that the implant is stable enough to support a dental restoration long-term. Some patients may require a bone graft which may be able to be completed at the same time the implant is placed. This will add a little more recovery time. The doctor that places your implant will re-evaluate your surgery site after six months and clear you for restoration with your dentist.

Who is a candidate for full mouth dental implants?

If you are healthy and your doctor feels that you can and your implant placement surgery, dental implants could be the best choice for you. Since having dental implants placed is an invasive surgical procedure, not everyone is a candidate. Some patients may also require preparatory surgeries such as a bone or a gum graft to prepare the site which would require a few months healing time before the implant can be placed unless your surgeon decides that you can tolerate a graft at the same time your implant(s) is placed.

Discuss your options with your dentist! Losing your teeth does not mean that you our only option is traditional dentures. Your dentist can help you determine if you are a candidate for dental implants and can refer you to an appropriate doctor for evaluation.

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