During the first operation, Implants will be
placed into the jaw bone, underneath the gum tissues. They will
stay "buried" under the gums fro a healing time from 3
to months. In the upper jaw and back part of the lower jaw,
complete healing usually takes longer.
The
day after surgery, you can expect some swelling of the gums in
the area of Implant placement. You may also be able to
feel the sutures (stitches) that were used to close the
incision. The gums may be disclosed as they start to heal. When
you had teeth removed before, you probably remember the pain
experienced; the immediate discomfort at this time will likely be
similar or pronounced. Medication can be used to lessen the
pain.
Within
4 to 5 days, the initial swelling will be gone and the surgical
area will less painful. The denture that you may have been
wearing can be lined with a soft material and placed back in
your mouth to improve your speech and appearance. You should be
able to return to work or resume normal daily activities
comfortably by this time.
If
the stitches closing the wound have come out on their own by
this time, your dentist or surgeon may remove them after 10
to 14 days.
You
must not use your denture to chew solid foods until your dentist
says you can do so. The ability of your mouth to successfully
accept Implants depends on their not being distributed during the
first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. A soft diet must be continued
during the period.
