What to Expect in the Weeks After Implant Placement

Whether you need to replace a single tooth or a whole row of teeth, dental implants can restore the look and function of your smile.

If you’re missing teeth and considering dental implants, it’s normal to wonder what you can expect after implant placement.

Take a moment as Dr. David Blaustein shares what you can expect in the weeks after implant placement here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. 

What to expect right after implant placement

All dental implant treatments require implant placement, when we surgically implant a titanium post in your jaw. 

During your first week, you can expect: 

Swelling

It’s normal to experience swelling in your gums and face. It usually peaks within 48 hours and starts to subside. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.

Discomfort

Mild to moderate discomfort is typical. Dr. Blaustein likely prescribes pain medication or recommends over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.

Bleeding

You might notice minor bleeding or pinkish saliva, which should diminish within a few days. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, call our office.

What to expect in the weeks after implant placement

The next few weeks and months vary from person to person. Factors that shape your recovery include how many implants you need, if you need additional procedures (such as bone grafts), how well your implant placement heals, and if you have temporary transitional implants.

During these healing weeks, here’s what you can expect:

Temporary teeth

Until we have your permanent crowns, you use temporary restorations for a few weeks. Your options include:

• Temporary dentures or bridges 
• Modifications of your current dentures
• Temporary transitional implants 

In some cases, Dr. Blaustein can place your prosthetic tooth right away.

Dietary adjustments

In the first few days after your implant placement, adjust your diet to protect your surgical site and promote healing. Stick to soft foods like smoothies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, veggie purees, and soup. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that can irritate your implant site.

As you get used to eating with temporary teeth, you may try your usual diet, but consider cutting your food into smaller bites while you adjust to your temporary teeth.

Changing oral care needs

Over the next few weeks, you can expect to ramp up your at-home hygiene routine. Keeping your implant site clean can help reduce your risk of infection. 

Our team provides specific instructions, but in general, avoid spitting, don’t use straws, and don’t directly brush your implant site.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure. If possible, consider smoking cessation during this time for the sake of your implant — and your overall health.

Follow-up appointments

You can expect several follow-up appointments at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics.

Usually within a week, Dr. Blaustein checks the implant site for signs of infection and ensures proper healing. At additional visits, he continues monitoring your implant(s) and prepares for the placement of your permanent crown or implant-supported dentures.

Once osseointegration — the process where your implant fuses with your jawbone — is complete, Dr. Blaustein places the abutment and permanent crown, completing the process. Your timeline can range from 1-12 months after implant placement. 

To learn more about dental implants, call our Manhattan office or request an appointment online to see if they’re right for you.