Making the decision to get dental implants can drastically transform your smile and your quality of life. Whether replacing one missing tooth - or many - these alternative replacements can restore functionality and appearance.
As they begin to prepare for the procedure, many patients want to know what to expect after dental implant surgery. If you, too, are wondering what recovery is like, we have everything you need to know.
Immediately Following Dental Implant Surgery
Once the post has been placed and your dental implant surgery is done, your road to healing begins. The local anesthesia you received will still keep you feeling a bit numb for quite some time. And, if you elect to have sedation, you may still be feeling the effects of it as you head home — depending on the type.
You will want to take it easy so plan on resting after your procedure.
Expect to experience some minor bleeding during this time and don’t be surprised if you notice a little bit of swelling, as well. This is completely normal. Just be sure to leave the surgical site alone.
As the numbness begins to wear off, you may experience some discomfort. Have some over-the-counter pain reliever on hand. This should be all you need to reduce the pain. Or, if you were prescribed medication from your dentist, follow the directions given to you.
The 24 Hours Following Dental Implant Surgery
The first 24 hours following dental implant surgery will require you to make a few special accommodations to keep you healthy while protecting the surgical site. For instance, you want to brush and floss your teeth to keep bacteria to a minimum —- but avoid the area around the site. Rinsing and spitting is a no-go, too.
You will want to avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, spicy foods, carbonated and alcoholic beverages during this time period. As for food, stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, broth, smoothies, jello, and the like. Keep in mind that tooth sensitivity is very possible, but will eventually dissipate.
These 24 hours should include lots of resting. However, as long as your work doesn’t involve heavy activity, you can usually return to work within a day or two.
The Next Few Days Following Dental Implant Surgery
As you push forward, expect swelling to be at its worst around 2 to 3 days following the dental implant surgery. Placing cold compresses on the area for 20 minutes or so at a time can help minimize it.
Continue taking any medication as prescribed or as needed. Gently rinsing with salt water after the first 24 hours can aid in healing. This should be done at least 4 to 5 times a day – especially after eating. Do not rinse and spit aggressively.
Brushing and flossing is still very important, just continue to be careful around the surgical site. If you had an abutment placed, you should be able to softly brush it at this time.
You will be excited to know that you should be fine returning to your normal diet and, for the most part, your normal activities. Continue to avoid overexerting yourself for a few more days.
There is a good chance that you have a follow up visit with your dentist to ensure you are healing well. Don’t miss this appointment, However, should you still be experiencing pain or bleeding, contact your dentist right away.
Dental Implants in Albuquerque
Do you have more questions about dental implant surgery or want to find out if you are a good candidate? You need a team who is specially trained, skilled, and experienced at placing implants with precision — a team you will find at Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center.
Contact us today at 505-821-2111. Or, request an appointment online.