To enable good osseointegration, new implants should not be overloaded immediately after the surgery. The healing process usually takes from 3 to 6 months, depending on which jaw, upper or lower one, is treated. The osseointegration process in the mandible is even shorter, taking 2 to 3 months. The initial days and weeks after the surgery are vital for the process, when a mechanical joint is replaced with biological osseointegration. It usually takes place within 2-4 weeks after the surgery. It is important to avoid any soft tissue or bone inflammation during that period as it can disrupt the healing process.
To avoid such a situation a patient should comply with the following post-surgical recommendations:
- An ice-pack should be applied to the face immediately after the surgery and kept for 3 to 4 hours.
- In case of pain, the dentist will prescribe appropriate pain-killers.
- Eating and drinking is only allowed after full sensation has been regained in the anesthetised area.
- During the first few days after the treatment, hot food and drinks should be avoided.
- During the first 2 days after the surgery, talking should be kept to the minimum
- Smoking and drinking alcohol are not allowed during the first two days after the surgery.
- Any physically strenuous activity as well as bending, lifting heavy loads or working out should be avoided.
- Using sauna or sunbeds is not allowed.
- Patients should rinse their mouth with boiled, tepid water after each meal.
- Patients should rinse their mouth with Corsodyle, Eludrile or Dentosepte 3-4 times a day.
- Patients should brush their teeth regularly while avoiding the implant site area.
- During the initial weeks after the surgery implant site brushing should be avoided, while rinsing the mouth with antibacterial mouthwash is recommended. After the initial period, brushing of the healing area should be made with special soft-bristle toothbrushes.
- Patients should try to avoid touching the implant with their tongue.
The healing process takes from 2 to 6 months.
The stitches are removed after 7-10 days after the surgery.
During the 6 weeks after the removal of the stitches, patients:
- Should brush the implant area and gently massage the healing gum.
- Should not touch the implant or its surrounding area with their fingers.
- Should not touch the implant with their tongue.
- Whenever possible, should avoid any strenuous physical activity.
- Should visit their dentist regularly to check the healing process, even when the healing seems to be going well.
After 6 weeks any surgery scars should disappear. During that time, the gum-wrapped implant is fully osseointergrated with the bone. Prosthetic restoration will take place only after a radiological confirmation of osseointegration has been carried out. It may take 2 to 6 months before the prosthetic restoration is possible after the implant placement.
