Dental implant

The implant is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. The procedure is usually painless and typically takes less than an hour. The titanium artificial root is carefully installed in a planned location, after which it is allowed to fuse with the jawbone. The healing time varies individually. On average, healing takes 3–6 months.

After healing, an extension piece is attached to the implant, which acts as a structural support for the crown. Finally, a custom-made dental crown is attached, which completes the treatment. Each treatment is planned individually, and the course of the overall treatment may vary depending on the condition of the mouth and the patient's needs.

Immediate implant speeds up dental implant treatment

In some situations, I can place the implant immediately after tooth extraction. This is called an immediate implant. When conditions are favorable, unnecessary waiting is avoided and the patient does not have to go without teeth at all.

Safety and the durability of the end result determine the steps. Immediate implantation is a great option for many, while for others, treatment proceeds more smoothly with traditional methods.

Dental implant and recovery – aftercare instructions and healing time

Hammasimplantti & toipuminen, lataa ohje

Recovery from a dental implant procedure usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. The length of the recovery period depends on the extent of the procedure and your overall health. In the first few days, avoid physical strain, smoking, and alcohol, maintain good oral hygiene, and monitor the healing of the surgical area according to your dentist's instructions. With proper home care, swelling and pain will subside quickly.

You may experience fatigue and weakness after dental implant surgery or other oral surgery. This is normal.

Care for the wound according to the instructions given by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Take all prescribed medications on time. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.

Contact your dentist in the following situations:

• If the bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop within 24 hours.
• If painkillers don't help and the pain is very severe.
• If the pain returns after 3–4 days.
• You develop a fever over 38 degrees Celsius without flu symptoms.
• If severe swelling appears in the extraction area.
• If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The first hours after dental implant placement

• Bite down on the gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes.
• Apply an ice pack to your cheek over the surgical area. This will reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or paper towel to prevent frostbite.
• Swelling is normal and may occur especially if bone grafting was performed during the surgery. Swelling may persist from a few days to a week.
• Avoid touching the wound area.
• Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the procedure.
• Avoid hot foods and drinks, and prefer soft options such as yogurt, fruit soup, or ice cream.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of infection and other post-operative complications.
• Avoid heat and physical strain (e.g., sauna and strenuous exercise) on the day of the extraction and for the following two days.
• Take the medications prescribed by your dentist as instructed.

The days following dental implant placement

• Use the prescribed course of antibiotics as directed. The antibiotic is used for 5–7 days, one tablet three times a day (every 8 hours).
• During the first three days, always take the painkillers prescribed to you at the same time as the antibiotic. Use painkillers for at least three days and longer if needed.
• Avoid medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., Aspirin, Disperin) as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
• In addition to pain medication, use a cold pack as needed for pain and swelling.
• The treated area may bleed slightly for a few days. Even a small amount of blood tastes like a lot in the mouth and turns saliva red, and this is completely normal.
• If the wound is stitched, the stitches will dissolve on their own within 1–3 weeks and do not need to be removed.
• Brush your teeth normally, but avoid brushing the surgical area for a few days.
• Start rinsing with Paroex the day after the extraction. Use the rinse morning and evening for a week.
• Eating tough foods is prohibited for six (6) weeks.
• Forcefully blowing your nose is prohibited for three (3) weeks, as it can cause pressure on the upper jaw wound and increase the risk of a connection forming to the sinus.

Dental implant and recovery

Mouth rinsing after dental implant placement

Chlorhexidine-based Paroex solution may temporarily stain teeth, but the stains are easy to remove after the treatment period.

If the solution feels irritating, it can be diluted with water, or you can ask your dentist about alternatives.

Eating and lifestyle after dental implant placement

Immediately after implant treatment, eating and drinking should be avoided for the period of time instructed by your dentist.

• After this, it is good to favor soft and cool foods.
• It is wise to completely avoid smoking on the day of the procedure.
• It is good to avoid alcohol throughout the recovery period, especially if you are taking pain medication or antibiotics.

Dental implant – pain and swelling after the procedure

Once the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to feel pain or throbbing in the surgical area for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers from the pharmacy, such as ibuprofen-containing products, or medications prescribed by your dentist are suitable for pain relief.

Take the medicine according to the instructions and regularly. Pain management is easier in the first few days when you don't wait for the pain but prevent it with regular pain medication.

Swelling is typical after surgical procedures and is usually most severe the next day. Swelling can be reduced by placing a cold pack on the outside of the cheek for about half an hour at a time. Repeat the treatment 3–4 times a day during the first 24 hours.

Starting from the third day, heat treatment (e.g., a warm gel pack) can speed up the reduction of swelling and relieve muscle stiffness. Swelling may also be associated with slight difficulty in opening the mouth, which will ease as the symptoms subside.

Dental implant – risks, complications and common concerns

All surgical procedures involve risks, and dental implants are no exception. Common concerns include swelling, pain, and delayed bone healing. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and manageable with home care and, if necessary, pain medication. Infections are rare, but they are usually treatable quickly.

Implant rejection is extremely rare. However, sometimes the implant does not integrate as expected, in which case it can be removed and replaced with a new one. Treatment is always planned individually. During the consultation, we will discuss possible risks in peace beforehand. Years of experience help to identify situations where an alternative solution may be better.

Over the years, I have seen thousands of implant treatments and learned to recognize situations where a detail may require special attention. That's why we will go through the possible risks and treatment path options in peace at the appointment. My goal is for you to feel safe at every stage.