Getting dental implants is a big step toward restoring your smile and chewing strength. As a popular option in restorative dentistry, dental implants help replace missing teeth in a natural-looking and long-lasting way. But after surgery, many patients ask: “Is everything healing like it should?” That’s a great question—and it’s one your dental team can help with.
If you just got dental implants, attending regular follow-up appointments is key to your healing journey. So, call (630) 629-5700 to schedule a follow-up visit with Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard in Lombard, IL, today!
In this post, our dentist in Lombard, IL, goes over 10 common signs that your dental implants are healing nicely. Let’s get started!
1. Mild Swelling That Improves Within a Few Days
Some swelling is totally normal after implant surgery. Your body is reacting to the procedure, which is a natural part of the healing process. Most patients see swelling around the gums and jaw.
What’s important is that the swelling should start to go down within a few days. You can apply a cold compress and follow Dr. Glud’s instructions for comfort. If swelling gets worse or lasts longer than a week, call us. Otherwise, mild, short-term swelling is a good sign of normal healing.
2. Minimal Pain That Decreases Over Time
After surgery, a little discomfort is expected. Most people compare it to soreness after getting a tooth pulled or having braces tightened. The good news? It should get better every day.
Over-the-counter pain meds can help during those first few days. As long as the pain isn’t severe and doesn’t get worse, you’re doing just fine. If your discomfort fades after a few days, that’s one more sign your dental implants are healing like they should.
3. No Signs of Infection at the Implant Site
When your dental implants are healing properly, the gums around the area should look pink, healthy, and firm. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, like pus, a bad taste, or gum discoloration.
Also, check for unusual warmth or redness. These could point to an infection. When everything looks clean and there’s no discharge or bad odor, that’s a great sign your healing is right on track.
4. Steady Gum Regeneration Around the Implant
Your gums play a big role in healing. As the area recovers, the gums will slowly start growing back and securing themselves around the implant post. This is a natural and important process.
Healthy gum regeneration helps your implant stay in place and blend in with nearby teeth. If your gums look even and continue to snugly form around the new implant, that’s a great indicator of healthy progress.
5. You Can Chew Soft Foods Without Pain
You’ll want to stick to soft foods for the first week or two. So, think mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. But as the healing continues, you’ll be able to chew soft foods without discomfort.
If you can eat without pain, and your dental implants don’t feel loose or irritated, your body is doing its job. Just remember to go slow and follow Dr. Glud’s diet instructions. This step is a big milestone!
6. Your Implant Feels Secure and Stable
During healing, the implant post fuses with your jawbone. This is called osseointegration. It takes between three and eight months, but it’s what makes dental implants so strong and permanent.
If the implant feels stable (not wobbly), that’s a positive sign. You shouldn’t feel movement when you talk or chew. A stable implant means the bone is bonding well and you’re healing properly. Loose implants should be checked right away by Dr. Glud.
7. Your Gums Aren’t Bleeding
It’s normal to see a little blood or pink saliva the first day after surgery. But bleeding should stop quickly, usually within the first 24 hours. After that, your gums should look calm and healthy.
If your gums aren’t bleeding during brushing or flossing (and you’re being gentle), that’s another sign of healthy healing. Ongoing or heavy bleeding could mean there’s a problem, so it’s always best to let your dentist in Lombard, IL, know if it happens.
8. No Fever or Chills After the First 24 Hours
A slight temperature rise right after surgery is common. But it shouldn’t last more than a day. If your body temperature stays normal after that, it means there’s no infection brewing.
Fever, chills, or body aches can point to a bigger issue. When those symptoms are absent, especially beyond the first day, you’re likely in the clear. Keep checking in with your body – it’s great at telling you how things are going.
9. You Can Talk and Smile Comfortably
Your mouth might feel a little weird at first. After all, it’s adjusting to the new implant! But once the initial healing period passes, talking and smiling should feel normal again.
If your tongue, cheeks, or lips aren’t rubbing against the implant – and you can speak clearly – that’s a good sign. Feeling confident while smiling and speaking means your dental implants are starting to settle in perfectly.
10. Follow-Up Appointments Show Healthy Progress
The best way to confirm healing is to attend all your follow-up visits at Dental Care of Lombard. Dr. Glud will check the area, take X-rays if needed, and make sure everything’s on schedule.
If our dental team says things look good, believe us! We’ve seen plenty of dental implants and know exactly what healthy healing looks like. So, when Dr. Glud gives the thumbs-up, it means you’re on your way to a lasting, beautiful smile.
Permanently Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Lombard, IL
Healing from dental implants takes time, but it’s worth it. Most people enjoy full function and a natural appearance in as little as eight months after the implant procedure. And when healing goes smoothly, your new smile can last a lifetime.
Want to learn more about dental implant surgery? Or maybe you need to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing? Contact the team at Dental Care of Lombard here, or call Dr. Glud at (630) 629-5700 to reserve an appointment now!
