Symptoms of Dental Implant Rejection: A Guide After Implantation
How does a dental implant heal? What should I pay attention to after implantation? What are the symptoms of inflammation?
It is important that the healing process occurs under optimal conditions, so several rules must be followed after implantation. We have compiled these for you!
On our site, we have summarized the most important information about what to know after a dental implant and the warning signs to watch for. Before you continue reading, we would also like to draw your attention to our related articles, where we address the following questions.
What should you know about dental implants?
Are you unsure whether to choose traditional or implant-based solutions for replacing your teeth, or which is the best dental implant?
Would you like to learn about the types of dental implants that can be placed at Helvetic Clinics?
Are you interested in understanding the step-by-step process of dental implantation or learning about different types of surgeries?
Would you like to know more about crowns, bridges on implants, or fixed dentures secured with implants?
Healing after dental implant placement
After dental implant placement, a rather complex healing process begins. During this process, the bone around the implant undergoes intense transformation, where new, strong bone tissue forms on the titanium surface of the implanted device due to resorption and bone-building processes. This is known as osseointegration, or the bone bonding with the implant.
A very similar process occurs during immediate implantation, where the implant is placed at the same time as the tooth extraction.
Phases of healing after dental implant placement
The phases of wound healing after dental implant placement can be divided into several stages. The first 2 weeks involve the healing and epithelialization of the gums and soft tissues. After this period, the blood clot formed in the cavity around the implant initiates the development of new bone tissue, which remains barely load-bearing during the initial weeks.
Around the 2nd to 3rd week after the dental implant placement, the implant is most vulnerable. At this stage, the mechanical stability has weakened, but biological stability has not yet fully developed. In the later weeks of the healing period, the bone becomes stronger and more resistant, thus strengthening the implanted device as well.
What affects the healing time?
Different implant surfaces result in varying healing times; for example, an implant system with a specially treated surface can lead to up to 40% faster healing. The necessity of bone grafting also affects the healing time.
How long should we wait for the completion of the dental restoration after implant placement?
It is very important to adhere to the process of dental implantation and healing time, as the final dental restoration can only be completed afterward.
Post-surgery swelling and pain: How long will the dental implant hurt?
Considering that it is a surgical procedure, some swelling and pain around the dental implant site and adjacent teeth are completely acceptable. These symptoms usually decrease after a few days and should subside within 7-10 days. This period can be shortened by thoroughly cooling the area around the surgery.
Occasionally, a bluish-purple discoloration of the facial skin may occur due to the formation of a hematoma between the soft tissues. However, this is always temporary and will disappear after the bruise is absorbed.
...now let’s see what we need to do to ensure the healing process proceeds without disruption.
Post-implantation surgery care: What can and cannot be done?
What can I eat after dental implant placement?
One important question is what can be eaten after dental implant placement. Generally, anything that does not contain raw dairy products is acceptable. However, in the first few days, it is recommended to consume softer foods such as soups, salads, pasta, and purees. We suggest having a hearty meal the morning before the surgery, and after the dental implant placement, it is advisable to eat cold foods if possible.
Overall, it can be stated that eating after dental implant placement primarily differs from the normal diet in the avoidance of raw dairy products and hard foods that require vigorous chewing.
Eating after dental implant placement should always be cautious to avoid excessive stress on the implanted screw.
Medication, Cooling the Area, Smoking
It is essential to take the medications prescribed by your specialist as directed (antibiotics, pain relievers) and to avoid smoking altogether. Cooling the area is very important; use an ice pack, but do not overcool the skin.
Brushing, oral hygiene after implantation
Proper oral hygiene is essential for quick and complication-free wound healing. Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and rinse gently with an antibacterial mouthwash before bed. Use the toothbrush carefully around the surgical area. Do not rub the wound directly until after the stitches are removed, which should be done only 10 days following the procedure.
After stitch removal, the affected area can be cleaned using a soft toothbrush recommended for use after surgical procedures. If healing abutments have been placed, make sure to clean them thoroughly as well.
Perfect oral hygiene is essential for successful healing after implantation. Clean your teeth after every meal to maintain excellent hygiene over the long term.
Can I exercise after dental implant placement?
Another notable restriction is exercising after dental implant placement. Physical activities that elevate the heart rate also increase blood flow to the surgical area, which can favor inflammatory processes, making them to be avoided. Generally, you can start exercising 2 weeks after the dental implant placement. If you feel pulsation at the surgical site due to increased heart rate while exercising, please stop the physical activity immediately!
Stitch removal after dental implantation
As part of implant procedures, most cases involve the placement of stitches to close the wound. Depending on the situation, your dentist will decide whether to use dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. The stitches need to be removed 10 days after the procedure.
This is also recommended if dissolvable stitches were used. If you cannot have them removed, keep them plaque-free using a toothbrush.
Can removable dentures be worn after dental implant placement?
If you are wearing partial or full dentures, it is recommended to minimize the use of the dentures as much as possible during the post-implantation period and only wear them when absolutely necessary. Our colleagues will make the necessary adjustments to the dentures to ensure they do not damage the implants after placement.
Inflammation After Dental Implants, Risks of Dental Implants
If something goes wrong in the healing process
Patients often ask whether the body will "accept" the titanium dental implant. The material of the dental implant is pure titanium, which is a biocompatible material. This means it is not foreign to the body, and no immunological or allergic reactions should occur, so implant rejection does not exist.
This is why titanium is used in various other medical fields as well (such as hip and limb prosthetics). However, inflammation around the placed dental implant can occur, potentially leading to the loss of the screw. The likelihood of this happening, however, is very low, typically only a few percent, with proper planning, execution, and follow-up.
Implant rejection symptoms: Pain after dental implant placement
Signs of inflammation around the placed implant (Periimplantitis)
Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity, bone loss visible on X-rays, inflamed gums, and the presence of pus (inflammatory discharge) after dental implant placement.
Inflammation and pain after a dental implant are considered problematic if they show a worsening trend or persist beyond the mentioned 10 days.
If you experience these symptoms, please contact our team immediately for assistance. If inflammation is not treated in time, removal of the dental implant may be necessary to resolve the issue.
What can cause inflammation around a dental implant?
- The causes of inflammation around an implant can be:
- Poor-quality implant
- Surgical deficiencies or errors in dental implant placement
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poorly planned dental prosthesis
- Unfavorable gum conditions alongside the dental implant
- General health issues
- Smoking
It is very important to be aware of the above, as the patient also plays a significant role in the success of the implanted dental implant. For these reasons, regular follow-up visits (including X-rays), regular dental hygiene treatments, and tartar removal are crucial.
Loose dental implant: We need to determine what has shifted.
If you feel that your dental implant is loose or has shifted, you should consult a specialist immediately. It is crucial to determine what exactly has loosened, as it is not always the implant itself that becomes loose. Often, it is the various components attached to the implant (e.g., implant head) that become loose.
This is the lesser issue, but it is still very important to secure any loose components, as the implant is highly sensitive in such cases. Bacteria may begin to migrate, leading to potential bone loss around the implant.
If you notice that the implant moves or if there are any indications that something is unstable in the area of the dental implant, promptly contact your dentist so that we can thoroughly examine the issue.
Dental implant replacement
There can be several reasons why a dental implant becomes unusable and needs to be removed. Some of the reasons can arise from bone loss around the implant or the lack of osseointegration.
- Loose dental implant
- Fracture of dental implant
In other cases, the components placed into the dental implant may be damaged to the extent that the implant itself becomes unusable.
- Broken abutment
- Compromised inner thread
If the damage or defect cannot be resolved, it is necessary to remove the implant.
Dental implant removal and placement of a new implant
The removal of a dental implant can be done using various methods, all under local anesthesia. The approach depends on how the screw is anchored to the bone. If osseointegration has not occurred, the implant can be simply unscrewed.
In the case of existing osseointegration, specialized cylindrical drills (trepan) may be used to drill around the implant. In some cases, high-torque removal tools may also be considered.
After the removal of the implant, if the bone supply is adequate, a larger implant can be placed into the cavity. If this is not possible, healing must be awaited, or bone grafting may be necessary.
The above information answers many questions. If you have any doubts or further questions, please contact us at 053 930 1323.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions after dental implant placement
Consumption of coffee after implantation?
Yes, you can drink coffee after implantation; however, as with any surgical procedure, avoid consuming raw dairy products and hot beverages in large quantities.
Is it allowed to smoke after implantation?
Smoking is not recommended at all for at least 10 days after the procedure.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
The disadvantages of dental implants include the higher cost of the procedure and the longer duration of the treatment.
Are dental implants more expensive than dental prosthetics?
Yes, because the cost of the placed implant is only part of the treatment price; in addition, the price of the dental prosthesis must be added to the total cost.
After replacing missing teeth, do we get a result similar to natural teeth?
The advantage of dental implants is that the inserted artificial root can produce a result that closely resembles our own natural teeth.
Can multiple teeth be replaced with dental implants?
With dental implant placement, it is possible to replace one or several teeth, or even an entire arch of dentition. Naturally, the more teeth you replace, the more implants are needed, as greater load-bearing capacity is required.
What is the advantage of dental implants?
The greatest advantage of dental implants is that a new pillar or support element can be built into the bone, serving as a foundation for dental prosthetics, just like our natural teeth.
How is the tooth attached to the implant?
After implant placement, the dental crown can be fixed with cement or a screw. In the case of a screw-retained crown, it is possible to remove the restoration from the implanted root without damage.
What can you eat after dental implant placement?
Generally, normal eating is allowed, with the exception of avoiding raw dairy products. Of course, be gentle with the area of the dental implant placement.
What can you eat after a dental implant?
Generally, normal eating is permitted, with the exception of avoiding raw dairy products. Of course, avoid disturbing the implant site.
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