Dental Implant Recovery


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Recovery from dental implants involves the period of time when the osseointergration process is underway. This means that the implant can integrate and adhere to the jawbone. The surface of the implant is deliberately roughened so that as the bone tissue grows around it and creates a stronger bond. This process can take anywhere between six weeks and six months. It will usually take longer for implants in your upper jaw than in your lower. It might seem like quite a long wait – but it is vital that the implant is totally stable before anything is attached to it. Patients are given temporary teeth to wear during this time, which may be included in the price of the procedure. Often these are bridges, or if you already wear dentures you may continue to wear them. You need to make sure that your temporary teeth are not putting any pressure on the site of the implant as this can impede the healing process.

After the initial healing stage, when the titanium implant root is firmly bonded to the jaw bone, under anaesthetic the gum is lifted again. A post is now secured to the implant base with a temporary crown on the top. The gum tissue around this can on average between four and six weeks to heal.


At this point, once the gum tissue is healed, you will need to return to your dentist in order to have your permanent tooth replacement attached to the implant.

If you have opted for immediate loading dental implants the post and replacement tooth will be fitted immediately after the implant is placed in your jawbone. The healing of your implant will be exactly the same and will also rely on osseointergration. However, you will need to take extra care of your implant as it, and its attached tooth, will not be securely healed into your jawbone for many months.


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Guide to Dental Implants in London & the UK