A successful dental implant outcome depends on the crucial recovery period, where implants heal and fuse with your jawbone. In the first few days, some not all patients experience mild swelling, and tenderness. There are temporary dietary restrictions as the dental implant areas begin to heal and the implants begin to fuse with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, involves bone cells attaching to the dental implant surface during the healing time. Dental Implant healing times generally range from 3 weeks to several months, depending on the condition of the bone. By following your Hybridge provider’s care instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting implant success.
Immediately following your Hybridge implant surgery, temporary teeth will be attached to your implants so you are never without teeth.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, it is normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, and slight bleeding around the surgical sites. Proper care during this initial healing phase is crucial for the long-term success of your implants and gum tissue. The first 8 weeks are particularly critical for healing.
During the healing process, and until you receive your final teeth, you will be restricted to a soft-food diet. This means avoiding foods that require chewing. Please refer to the Soft Foods Diet Recommendations provided by your Hybridge doctor, which typically includes foods like applesauce, avocado, bananas, eggs, jell-o, soups, and mashed potatoes.
It is important to avoid using your temporary teeth for chewing anything during this healing phase, this is to protect your temporary teeth and allow for proper healing.
The most crucial stage of implant healing is osseointegration, where the titanium dental implant post fuses with the jawbone. This process creates a strong, stable foundation for your final restoration. While you may feel fully healed on the surface, it’s important to follow your Hybridge doctor’s guidelines, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress.
For the initial 3 months after your Hybridge has been attached, your implants, supporting the Hybridge, are still considered to be in the osseointegration healing phase. Care should be taken in regards to function, avoiding any foods requiring heavy chewing. Examples of foods to avoid:
Approximately 3 to 4 months following your Hybridge placement, you can generally return to normal chewing. To ensure the longevity of your restoration, it's essential to avoid biting on items harder than your natural teeth. Ice, hard candy, and nuts pose a significant risk of damage. It's important to understand that while Hybridge materials are strong, they are not indestructible, especially when subjected to the powerful biting forces your mouth can generate (over 700 pounds per square inch). Consequently, repeatedly chewing very hard foods can cause the Hybridge materials to fatigue over time. Natural teeth have a protective ligament that absorbs some chewing force, but implants are directly integrated with your bone and lack this cushioning. The Hybridge team will provide you with personalized care instructions to maximize the longevity of your implants, helping you enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
After completing your treatment, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day. Make sure to use super-floss at least once a day, preferably at night. This helps eliminate bacteria and food debris that may accumulate during the day, especially since salivary flow decreases at night.
To make flossing easier, we recommend using a magnifying mirror in a well-lit area to reduce frustration. In addition to super-floss, you might also find these aids helpful:
- Proxibrush (if it fits)
- Soft Pick
- End-tuft brush
- Rubber tip
We suggest brushing your teeth with either a manual or electric toothbrush, such as the Sonicare FlexCare, which comes with two different-sized brush heads. Don’t forget to brush the rough surface of your tongue, as bacteria can collect there and transfer to your teeth. Rinse your mouth twice daily with Listerine, and make sure all your aids are lubricated by dipping them in the mouthwash. Additionally, use a non-abrasive toothpaste while brushing.
Eating the right foods during recovery can significantly enhance healing time and improve overall comfort. Following a soft-food diet helps prevent unnecessary pressure on the implant sites as they heal. It’s essential to avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or overly hot foods, as these can disrupt the healing process or cause discomfort. Gradually reintroducing firmer foods, based on your Hybridge doctor’s instructions will help keep your implants protected.
