If you have opted for dental implants for you or your child, you may have many questions about the recovery time for this process. After all, having dental implants put in can feel like a major dental issue. In this guide, you will learn more about the recovery from dental implants and the ways you can improve the process.

What Does a Dental Implant Procedure Include?

One of the first steps involved in a dental implant procedure is the extraction of the current tooth. Perhaps it is cracked beyond repair or has another severe problem that means you don't want it in place anymore. The dentist will then install a titanium post in its place. You may initially have a false crown placed on top of it. When the dentist decides that the post is secure and ready to hold weight, he or she will install a crown or type of denture that looks and feels just like a regular tooth.

Most of the work is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you will not be in much pain during the procedure. If you are afraid of the pain, you can ask to be asleep during the procedure too.

What Does Dental Implant Recovery Look Like?

Recovery from dental implants involves a process known as osseointegration, in which the body needs to build enough new bone to handle the new tooth. This process can be the most painful part of the procedure, though your dentist may prescribe you some pain medications.

Bleeding and swelling are common side effects in the earliest days of implant recovery. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activity and exercise until your body heals. You should also avoid eating hard foods in the meantime.

During the recovery process, you will come in to the dentist office several times so a professional can have an idea of what you may need.

How Can you Maintain Your Dental Implants?

Maintaining your dental implants is important if you want to keep your teeth in great shape. Come in for your regular appointments, and treat your implant like a regular tooth in the meantime. Make sure you floss and brush it regularly.

No matter why you need dental implants, you want to know that you have made the right choice for your teeth and dental health. With this information, you can improve your recovery time and understand why your teeth feel the way they do.

To find out more about dental implants, talk with a team such as New England Dental Specialists of Norwood.