Dental implants are a great way for patients to restore missing teeth. Full mouth dental implants, such as an implant supported denture, is a stable and natural looking way for patients who have lost most of their teeth to have a smile they are comfortable and confident in! For a patient able to endure implant placement surgery, it is important for them to also understand the extensive healing time that is necessary to ensure maximum healing and integration for their implant supported denture.
Depending on the location of your implants, it could take up to six months for them to fully integrate with your jaw bone before your implant denture can be placed. Osseointegration is the key to a successful implant that will last for decades, perhaps even a lifetime! During your healing time, there will be some restrictions on food and oral hygiene and even physical exertion. The longer you rest after implant surgery, the easier your healing time will be! After a couple of weeks, you should be able to continue with your regular daily habits and routines.
What exactly is osseointegration?
This is a term that refers to the fusion between the implant and your jaw bone. To make sure that the implant is stable enough to support a full denture, this fusion is necessary. Sometimes a patient does not have enough bone structure to support an implant and may need a bone graft which can add time to the overall recovery period. A bone graft can take 3-6 months to heal but sometimes, the implant can be placed at the same time as a bone graft. The dental professional that places your implant will determine if you have enough bone structure or if you need a bone graft. If you do need a bone graft, they will then determine if you can have an implant and bone graft at the same time to save some months of healing or if you need to have them done separately.
What are the post-op directions after full mouth dental implants?
For a few days immediately following implant placement surgery, you will be instructed to stick to a liquid diet before you begin to integrate soft foods. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to have your implant surgery close to the weekend so you can have a few days to rest and then may still need to request less strenuous work for up to a month. Physical exertion can slow healing and cause your implants to fail.
As far as pain management, most patients are able to manage with over-the-counter pain medications. In the event that you are unable to tolerate your pain, your doctor may be able to prescribe a pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort. You will definitely be given an antibiotic to prevent infection which should be taken as directed and in full.
Patients who are otherwise healthy and can endure implant surgery and the extensive recovery time could be a great candidate for full mouth dental implants! Discuss your options with your dentist! Losing your teeth does not mean that your only option is uncomfortable, unflattering traditional dentures.