The Healing Journey of Dental Implants: Why Patience is Key

Hello from Dental Concepts, your trusted dental practice with four convenient locations in Andover, Whitchurch, Southampton, and Poole. Today, I want to shed light on the fascinating and crucial aspect of the dental implant process: the healing journey. Dental implants are an incredible solution for missing teeth, but like any worthwhile journey, they require time, care, and patience.

Understanding the Speed of Bone Healing

Let's start by discussing the speed at which bone heals. Bone healing is a natural process that occurs in stages. Initially, there's an inflammatory response to injury, followed by the formation of soft callus tissue, and eventually, the remodelling of this tissue into mature bone. This healing process takes time and varies from person to person. On average, bone can take several months to fully heal and integrate with a dental implant.

The Role of Bone Grafts

In some cases, patients may require a bone graft to enhance the bone's quality and quantity at the implant site. A bone graft involves adding bone material to the area, usually sourced from the patient or a donor. After a bone graft, it's crucial to allow sufficient time for the graft to fuse with your existing bone. This healing process typically adds several months to the overall timeline.

The Dangers of Rushing Healing

One of the most common mistakes people make is adding weight or pressure to their dental implant immediately after placement. Imagine a freshly planted tree; if you disturb the soil too soon, it won't take root and grow strong. Similarly, applying force to a dental implant too early can jeopardise its stability and success. Patience is essential during this phase to ensure the implant's integration and longevity.

Temporary Teeth to the Rescue

We understand that being without teeth during the healing process can be challenging. That's why we provide a temporary set of teeth, usually in the form of dentures, to help you maintain your smile and function while your dental implants heal. These temporary teeth are carefully designed to not interfere with the implant site's healing.

The Anatomy of a Dental Implant

To better appreciate the healing process, let's briefly look at the structure of a dental implant. A dental implant consists of three main parts:

Implant Fixture: This is the part that's surgically placed into the jawbone. It serves as the artificial root for your new tooth.

Abutment: The abutment connects to the implant fixture and protrudes above the gumline. It acts as a connector for the final restoration.

Restoration: The restoration, often a crown, bridge, or denture, is securely attached to the abutment, creating the functional and aesthetic part of your new tooth.

At Dental Concepts, we understand that dental implant patients are eager to enjoy their new smiles. However, the healing journey is a crucial phase that cannot be rushed. Dental implants near you, whether in Andover, Hampshire, or any of our other locations, require the right amount of time to ensure a strong and lasting result. Trust in our dental implant specialists and our commitment to your oral health, and soon you'll be enjoying the countless benefits of a complete smile.

Get in touch with the team today on 01264 313999 to get booked in!