The first two weeks

Be very gentle to the surgical site. Absolutely no smoking and drinking alcohol during this period. It is recommended that you eat soft foods. Try to avoid hot temperature and spicy foods. Take all medications as prescribed, since most of the complications happen during this period. Do not use Listerine during this time.

After two weeks, you will need to come back for a post-operative check. We will check the healing of your gums and determine the healing time necessary before we move onto the final restorations.

Osseointegration period

It takes about 3-6 months for bone to fuse onto the implant’s surface. (If you had only a bone graft done, the healing process takes minimum 4-6 months and for a sinus lift, on average 6 months for it to heal.) Be patient, time flies. think about the life-time service of your implants -- it’s worth the wait. During this healing period, keep the healing cap as clean as you can. It’s recommended that you brush and floss regularly. 

Restoration time

Once osseointegration is complete, we will take an accurate impression of your implants and send it to a dental lab for fabrication of your custom abutment and implant crown. It takes the lab about 3.5 weeks. In just a few more weeks of waiting, you will be on your way with your new smile.

How to keep my implants for life?

Routine exams and cleaning (every 3-4 months) is a good start. However, good home oral hygiene is by far the most important thing you can do to keep your implants for life. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, we highly recommend getting a WaterPik for your dental implants. The WaterPik is a great way to reach bacteria underneath the crown.