What to Expect After a Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is an oral operation that alters the natural state of your gums and jawbone to make way for an implant fitting. The procedure can be done in one or multiple stages. All surgical procedures require time to heal and some post-operative care.
Post Dental Implant Surgery
Pain and Swelling
When the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some pain, swelling and bleeding. The pain and discomfort is usually managed with oral medications. Take the painkillers within the stated dosage recommendations to facilitate healing and prevent complications. The soreness from dental implant surgery should subside in three to five days.
Swelling of the gums and face are also typical discomforts associated with implant surgery. You can reduce or prevent swelling by applying an ice pack over the affected area during the first 48 hours. Prolonged swelling may be an indication of infection.
Ensure that you take any prescribed antibiotics. Some minor bleeding around the implant site is expected for the first 24 to 48 hours. When experiencing any bleeding, bite down on the gauze to place pressure on the site. If the pain, swelling and bleeding get worse or you experience a fever, contact your dentist’s office.
Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth very gently until the pain subsides. This will help keep the area clean until you can return to your normal brushing habits. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water two to three times a day.
Hold the solution over the implant site for approximately one minute. You should also use the mouthwash provided by your dentist. Hold the mouthwash over the implant site. Brushing and rinsing after eating provides the most effective results.
Diet
A soft, non-chewing diet may be recommended for several days after surgery. You should eat pureed food and drink cool liquids. Do not use a straw. The sucking motion creates pressure that can cause bleeding.
Hot foods and drinks as well as carbonated beverages, popcorn and nuts should also be avoided. Do not skip meals. You need the nutrition to aid the healing process. Meal recommendations include cooked cereals, scrambled eggs, and pasta as well as shakes, smoothies and ice cream. Over time, progress to more solid food as your discomfort subsides.
Chew on the opposite side of the implant. If you experience any nausea after the procedure, sip on a glass of ginger ale or tea slowly for approximately 15 minutes. When the nausea subsides, begin taking your oral medications.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoid smoking for several days to reduce the risk of infection and encourage the healing process. Limit your activities the first few days after the surgery. Attempting to do too much too soon may increase the pain, swelling or bleeding.
Give your body a chance to recover. Ease back into your exercise regimen after three or four days. Pay close attention to any discomfort around the implant site. Wear a mouth guard and head protection to reduce the possibility of an impact that could damage the implant.
Follow the guidelines above as well as any others recommended by your oral surgeon. This will minimize the chance of the implant or a healing cap from coming loose. It, also, will help ensure a successful dental implant surgery.
Noble Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be your Tempe dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
