How Long do Mini Dental Implants Take to Heal?

Mini dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jaw. Dental restorations like dental crowns and dentures are attached to them to replace the missing teeth, improving the appearance of the patient’s smile. The mini implants also act as tooth roots and stimulate bone growth in the jaw.

Since they are about half the size of regular dental implants, the mini implants can be used in certain situations where regular implants cannot.

What is the estimated healing time for mini dental implants?

One of the reasons people choose to get mini dental implants over regular implants is the fact that the recovery time is not as long. After the surgery, there will be some swelling, but the swelling should subside within 48 hours. The gum tissue should also heal within a week. However, the jaw bone under the gum will need some extra healing time. But, after the first month, the pain and sensitivity should be gone. That is one of the reasons that the mini dental implants are fitted with the artificial teeth during the same visit most of the time.

By comparison, dental implants surgery will require three to six months for the gum tissue and jaw bone to fully heal before the abutment and artificial teeth can be attached to them.

What happens after the procedure?

When the mini dental implants surgery is over, the dentist will advise the patient to use an ice pack to keep the swelling down and prescribe some painkillers if needed. During the first week after the procedure, the patient has to avoid eating solid foods, so they do not put too much pressure on the gums.

Liquid foods like pudding, soup, yogurt and apple sauce are recommended for the first week. After the first week, the patient should be able to handle foods like eggs, mashed potatoes and pancakes. After a month, they should be able to go back to their regular diet.

Smokers have to avoid cigarettes during the recovery period because the chemicals in them can lead to gum disease and cause the implants to fail.

Taking care of mini dental implants after surgery

Even though mini dental implants are sturdy, they are not as durable as regular dental implants. Patients should avoid biting down on hard foods and candy to avoid causing damage to the artificial teeth or implants.

The mini dental implants have to be cleaned just like regular teeth. Patients should brush and floss them at least twice a day and make at least two trips to the dentist each year to get the implants as well as the natural teeth checked out.

Finding the right dentist for the procedure

General dentists are qualified to perform all dental procedures. But, when it comes to mini dental implant surgery, it is better to go to a dentist that specializes in prosthodontics. Patients can find a list of dentists that specialize in prosthodontics near them at https://www.findadentist.ada.org.

Conclusion

Mini dental implants can be used to replace your missing teeth without having to undergo an invasive procedure. If you have one or more missing teeth and want to get them replaced, talk to your dentist about replacing them with mini dental implants.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

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