Dental implants are recommended by most dentists as the most reliable and durable option for missing or failing teeth. However, one of the most common questions we hear from our patients in Southport is how long does a dental implant take to heal? . Dental implants do require a recovery phase,careful planning. However, this shouldn’t put you off getting the treatment  you need. 

There are two main parts to the healing period: 

The immediate recovery phase – usually lasting 1 or 2 weeks

The osseointegration phase (where the bone fuses with the implant) – 3-9 months

Why dental implants take time to heal

Dental implants use a titanium root and a dental crown to replace both the visible part of your tooth and the root under the surface. After the titanium post has been placed into your jawbone, it will take time for your body to accept it and for the bone to fully fuse with the implant (osseointegration). Your gums will also take time to heal securely around the site; it takes time to develop the long-term stability the implants will provide. 

If you are having more than one implant, this may also affect the time your recovery takes. However, if you are having All-on-4 implants, it is often possible to fit temporary teeth the same day as your titanium implants, so you won’t be without a full set of  teeth for long. 

What affects recovery time for dental implants? 

Recovery time varies from person to person, but there are a number of important factors which may affect the time it takes for the implant to fully heal. These include: 

• Oral hygiene at home 

• Overall health and other medical conditions

• Jaw structure and bone density 

• Whether you smoke

• The skill and experience of your implant dentist 

Taking care of your implants after surgery 

Following your dentist’s advice is important following any dental procedure, , but this is especially the case with implants, as they involve a complex surgical procedure. Taking care of the implant site properly, both during early recovery and beyond, reduces the risk of complications. It also shortens the amount of time the implant will take to heal. 

Early recovery (first 1-2 weeks) 

During this period, we suggest you: 

• Clean the implant site as advised by your dentist 

• Do not brush or touch the implant site for the first few days

• Stick to soft, easily chewable foods 

• Avoid chewing on the side where your implant is

• Do not smoke

• Rinse with mouthwash as directed by your dentist 

• Do not eat or drink anything very hot or cold

• Take prescribed medications (and over the counter pain relief as needed)

Medium term recovery (3 weeks to 9 months) 

After the first 2 weeks, it is usually possible to go back to your usual routine after implants. However, there are still a few things you can do to ensure a quicker recovery: 

• Avoid pressure to the implant site

• Avoid trauma to your teeth (for example, wear a mouthguard during contact sports ) 

• Do not bite hard objects such as pens 

• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use 

• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist so they can track your progress 

• Brush and floss twice a day to keep the site clean 

Long-term maintenance

It is important to take care of your dental implants the same way you would your natural  teeth. As well as maintaining good oral hygiene with flossing and brushing, we suggest scheduling regular dental and hygiene appointments and following advice suggested by your dentist. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your oral health in between appointments and flagging any concerns with your dentist early. 

If you take care of them well, your implants can last for a lifetime. 

Meet your Implant Dentist  

Paul Smith (BDS MJDF) graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2005 with honours. He completed an advanced course in restorative dentistry in 2009, and gained a diploma of membership of the Joint Faculty of Royal College of Surgeons in 2011. He has a special interest in dental implants, and now works in Southport, placing over 100 implants a year at The Village Dental and Implant Practice.

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