Need New Teeth? Corona Del Mar Dentists Explain Everything You Need to Know, PART 4

This four-part article series provides an in-depth look at teeth replacement using dental implants. It explains what dental implants are, how they work

and what procedures are required to place them.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on getting new teeth with dental

implants. In our previous post, Part 3, we explained what is typically involved in the surgical

component of a dental implant procedure and the fact that, in most cases, implants can be used to

provide patients with new teeth in as little as one day! Now, let’s explore post-operative recovery

after getting dental implants and what Corona Del Mar patients can expect from it.

Does it Hurt, Doc?

It’s the most frequently asked question by patients who are

scheduled for dental implant surgery: does it hurt? The answer is,

thankfully, not nearly as much as you think. In fact, most patients

hardly experience any discomfort at all!

“During surgery, you will be completely numbed, so you will be

kept entirely comfortable,” explains a Corona Del Mar dentist.

“Once the anesthesia has worn off after surgery, you may

experience a little discomfort, especially when you bite down, but

this typically disappears after a few days and isn’t anything that

can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.”

Post-Operative Recovery

In the days and weeks following dental implant placement, you’ll notice the swelling and

inflammation of the gum surrounding your new teeth subsiding. You’ll grow accustomed to the

fit and feel of your new teeth and within no time at all, your mouth will seem as though it’s back

to normal. But the healthy pink veneer of the gum covering your new teeth belies the magic

that’s happening underneath…

“Once an implant has been placed, the jawbone surrounding it begins to fuse to its surface. No

other metal on the periodic table is considered as compatible with the human body as titanium

and this is why your jawbone is actually able to form a strong biological bond to the surface of

the implant,” says the dentist. “We term this process osseointegration and it’s the reason dental

implants are non-removable.”

Post-Operative

Instructions for Care

You will be sent home after surgery with

instructions for the care and maintenance of your

new teeth. You will be required to brush and floss as

per usual, but for the first few weeks, you should be

very careful about the foods you eat. You shouldn’t

eat anything hard, crunchy or chewy as this might

compromise the healing of the implant.

Additionally, you shouldn’t smoke, have too much

alcohol or engage in any strenuous activities or

exercise as these may all lead to a greater risk of

implant failure.

Essentially, Corona Del Mar dentists encourage

patients to give their body a rest, so that they can

get their recovery off to a good start. If you notice

any problems at all, such as continued bleeding or

pain, it’s important to call your implant surgeon

right away. Timely intervention can prevent the

need for additional surgery.

A Final Note

And there you have it: The A-Z on getting new teeth from the very dental healthcare

professionals who place and restore dental implants in Corona Del Mar on a daily basis!