Week-by-Week Recovery Guide in Sri Lanka
One of the most common questions patients ask before implant surgery is:
“How long will it take to heal?”
The honest answer:
Dental implant healing happens in stages — and proper healing time is one of the most important reasons implants succeed long term.
At Cayo Dental, implant crowns are typically placed after 3–6 months of healing, depending on the case.
Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Stage 1: Day of Surgery
During surgery:
- Local anesthesia is administered
- Implant is placed into the jawbone
- Gum is sutured
Procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes depending on complexity.
Most patients report:
- Mild pressure sensation
- Minimal discomfort
Stage 2: First 3 Days After Surgery
This is the inflammatory phase.
Common experiences:
- Mild swelling
- Slight discomfort
- Minor bleeding
- Sensitivity while chewing
During surgery:
- Avoid chewing on the surgical side
- Follow prescribed medication
- Avoid smoking (critical for healing)
Swelling usually peaks around Day 2–3.
Stage 3: Week 1
- Sutures may be removed (if non-resorbable)
- Gum tissue begins sealing around implant
- Pain usually minimal
By end of Week 1:
Most patients return to normal daily activities.
Stage 4: Weeks 2–4
This is when external healing looks complete.
But internally:
The bone is still bonding to the implant.
This biological process is called osseointegration.
According to research indexed in PubMed, proper integration is essential for long-term implant stability.
Loading the implant too early can increase failure risk.
Stage 5: 1–3 Months
Bone integration continues.
For patients with:
- Good bone quality
- No smoking
- Controlled diabetes
Healing may progress smoothly.
At Cayo Dental, patient profile shows:
Because of this demographic complexity, controlled healing periods are emphasized.
Stage 6: 3–6 Months (Crown Placement Phase)
At Cayo Dental, the typical implant crown is placed after:
3–6 months of healing
Because premature loading can:
- Disturb bone integration
- Increase failure risk
- Reduce long-term stability
Allowing full integration increases success rates.
What If Bone Grafting Was Done?
If bone grafting was performed:
Healing may take:
- 3–6 months for minor graft
- 4–6 months for major graft before implant placement
This is not a delay — it is a stability measure.
Approximately 20% of implant cases at Cayo require grafting, which is factored into treatment planning.
Immediate Implants vs Delayed Healing
Some clinics advertise:
“Teeth in one day.”
While immediate temporary teeth may be possible in selected cases, full bone integration still requires healing time.
At Cayo Dental, case selection determines whether:
Immediate temporary restoration is possible
Delayed crown placement is safer
Long-term stability is prioritized over speed.
Healing Risks During Recovery
Healing can be affected by:
Smoking
Uncontrolled diabetes
Poor oral hygiene
Skipping follow-up visits
Patients are instructed carefully because:
Implant healing is partly biological, partly behavioral.
6-Month Review Protocol at Cayo Dental
After crown placement, Cayo Dental follows a structured review system:
- Clinical evaluation
- Radiographic monitoring
- Hygiene assessment
Regular review reduces risk of late complications like peri-implantitis.
Healing Timeline Summary Table
| Stage | What Happens | Patient Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Implant placed | Mild numbness |
| Day 2–3 | Swelling peak | Slight discomfort |
| Week 1 | Gum healing | Minimal pain |
| Weeks 2–4 | External healing | Feels normal |
| 1–3 Months | Bone integration | No visible change |
| 3–6 Months | Crown placement | Full function restored |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat normally after implant surgery?
Soft diet is recommended for first few days.
When can I chew on the implant?
After crown placement — typically 3–6 months.
Is swelling normal?
Yes, mild swelling for 2–3 days is common.
Can smoking delay healing?
Yes. Smoking significantly slows integration.
Is implant healing painful?
Most patients describe it as less painful than tooth extraction.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant healing is a staged biological process.
At Cayo Dental:
- CBCT planning ensures proper placement
- 3–6 month integration period protects stability
- 6-month review protocol supports long-term success
- Risk factors like smoking and diabetes are managed carefully
Healing time is not a delay.
It is the foundation of long-term implant success.