After being approved for dental implants, our dentist in Princeton, MA will conduct x-rays and images of your face and mouth to develop a personalized implant placement plan. During your next appointment, the implant will be placed.

The procedure will start with cleaning and numbing the treatment area, along with providing sedation. A small incision will be made in your jaw and gums to accurately position the implant. The area will then be cleaned, disinfected, and stitched closed.

Your mouth will require 3-6 months to heal, allowing the implant to fuse with the jaw bone. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to track the healing process and take dental impressions for the dental crown.

Once your mouth has fully healed and the dental crown is prepared, you will come in for the final appointment. The crown will be permanently attached to the implant, giving you a fully-restored, natural-looking tooth.

After your surgery, Dr. Khanani will provide you with recovery instructions to ensure proper healing of your mouth. Most patients take about 2 weeks to heal from the initial implant placement surgery.

However, the process of osseointegration, where the dental implant bonds with the surrounding bone tissue, may take 3-6 months to complete. Until this process is finished, the implant cannot be restored with a false tooth.

After your appointment, you may not feel any pain immediately, but once the sedation wears off, the implant site may become tender or painful. If Dr. Khanani has prescribed pain medication, be sure to take it as directed. If not, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve or Tylenol and apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

During the first week after the implant placement, stick to a soft food diet and avoid brushing the implant site directly for at least 24-48 hours. Use a salt water rinse to clean the area and start gently brushing near the implant site after 2-3 days.

Avoid heavy exertion for 2-3 days after the implant placement and focus on resting and relaxing as you heal. Pain, swelling, bleeding, and bruising may peak about 72 hours after the appointment but should improve after a week.

By the end of two weeks, your mouth should feel normal with minimal discomfort. At this point, you may have a follow-up appointment at the practice to ensure proper healing of your mouth.

Many individuals may qualify for dental implants without requiring a bone graft, unless there is inadequate jaw bone density to support the implant. Factors such as tooth loss, trauma, gum disease, or medical conditions can contribute to this issue, potentially leading to implant failure.

During the osseointegration phase, it is crucial for the jawbone and implant to fuse properly to establish a sturdy foundation. In cases where there is insufficient jaw bone mass, this process may be compromised. In such instances, a bone graft can be utilized to enhance the height and width of the jawbone around the implant area.

For patients with inadequate jaw bone density, bone grafts are necessary to make them eligible for dental implants.

To ensure a successful recovery following dental implant surgery, it is crucial to stick to a soft food diet and steer clear of hot foods and liquids. During the first week, it is best to avoid hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and soup.

Focus on consuming plenty of liquids like smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, jello, and pudding. Gradually introduce chewier foods as you progress, but continue to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for a few months or until your dentist approves.

Incorporate foods like potatoes, pasta, and eggs into your diet to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrients. Avoid spicy and acidic foods during the healing process, and refrain from using a straw or chewing on the side of your mouth with the implant.

If you are concerned about bone loss from a missing tooth, consider dental implants. Contact Khanani Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salman Khanani.