When are the wires removed after the dental implant? Many patients ask themselves this even before the actual procedure. The healing period plays an important role in the success of the treatment plan, and this period also involves the removal of sutures.
. Find out, by reading this article to the end, how to remove these threads and what you need to do to get them back quickly.
How long does it take to heal after a dental implant?
Once you have a dental implant, your body needs time to adjust. In general, the soft tissues heal in 10-14 days, but the period of osseointegration (the process by which the jawbone fuses with the implant) continues for up to 4-6 months. It is important to note that patients adapt differently – some sooner, others later.
Removal of sutures after dental implant
The threads are removed after 7-10 days, depending on the case. This is where the type of sutures and the healing rate of each come into play.
Types of sutures
If you have already been to a first check-up or a first discussion with the doctor, you probably know that there are two types of sutures. Even so, the specialist will recommend the right option for you, for your clinical case:
➢ Resorbable threads – They dissolve by themselves, in about 3 weeks. This means you will skip this procedure.
➢ Non-absorbable wires – These are removed in the office, by the dentist. The procedure is safe. You shouldn’t worry about pain either. It’s not hard to bear.
Only the doctor will decide when is the right time to remove the threads, taking into account the way the gums look.
Step-by-step procedure for removing threads
As you understood, the procedure itself should not scare you. Everything happens quickly, most of the time, without anesthesia. Here are the steps:
● Control: The doctor proposes a date for the check. It evaluates the condition of the gum and, in the absence of inflammation or infection, it moves to the next step;
● Preparation of the area: The area is cleaned with antiseptic solutions to prevent contamination. Some patients may also receive a local anesthetic;
● Thread removal: The doctor carefully cuts each thread with a fine instrument. The procedure takes a few minutes;
● Cleaning: The area is disinfected, and the doctor gives precise indications for hygiene and nutrition. In some cases, certain recommendations can be made.
Recovery after suture removal
It is important to carefully care for the implant area to promote complete integration. Here are some helpful tips:
● Do not eat hot, hard or crunchy food in the first 2 days;
● Brush your teeth with a soft brush, using gentle movements, without putting pressure on the area;
● Use antiseptic mouthwash, according to your doctor’s instructions;
● Avoid tobacco and alcohol if you want to increase the healing process;
● Contact the medical team if persistent bleeding, swelling or other unusual reactions occur.
The importance of periodic check-ups after the dental implant
The step of removing the sutures should not be treated lightly. It will contribute enormously to a beautiful and healthy smile – long lasting. Immediately after, the medical team will schedule a series of regular check-ups to monitor the entire osseointegration process, to check the stability of the implant and dental crowns. These visits are important to ensure quick, complication-free healing and to keep your gums healthy.
So, the threads after the dental implant are usually removed after about 10 days, depending on the progress of the healing. It all happens in a short office visit. It is important to follow the instructions given to you to enjoy a quick recovery and, most importantly, a long-lasting result.
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