How To Recover From Dental Implants

Dental implants are among the best pieces of dental technology to emerge in recent years. Being able to create anchors in the jawbone to create the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth has changed countless lives over the years. Dental implants serve so many useful purposes, and they have become a staple in dental health.

If you are planning to undergo dental implant surgery or have just come home from the dentist, you might have some questions about your recovery. This guide will assist you in your recovery, ensuring that you have a basic understanding of what you need to do.

During Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery itself is typically performed under local anesthesia along with oral sedation. Most of the time, healing is not a complex issue unless grafting is involved. Nevertheless, healing begins as the implant fuses to the jawbone. Pain is not typically intense in immediate hours after surgery.

The Day of Dental Implant Surgery

On the day of surgery, you will be given gauze pads to hold over the areas that were treated. These pads will control the bleeding, and they need to be replaced when they become full with blood.

You will need to rest after surgery, as too much activity can increase bleeding in your mouth, ultimately leading to complications. Once you can feel your tongue again, you are able to eat soft foods.

If you are given a prescription for pain medications, you should have it filled right away. Most of the pain will begin just a few hours after the surgery as anesthesia wears off.

The Day After Dental Implant Surgery

The next day, make sure to use a saltwater rinse after each meal. You should swish the liquid around gently to clean the teeth and gums.

You may notice some extra swelling on the second day after the procedure, but you can apply ice to ease it away. You may notice some slight bruising or pain in your throat and jaw.

You will be able to eat after surgery, but you may want to stick to softer, lukewarm foods. Hot foods and using straws can actually damage the dissolvable stitching dentists typically use.

The Week After Dental Implant Surgery

Within one week of surgery, you should be able to eat and drink again with ease. The pain should be long gone, and you will be able to exercise again. You can resume most normal activities during this time.

Talk to your dentist about potential risks and side effects associated with dental implant surgery. You should also discuss potential slowdowns to healing, such as smoking, poor diet, and drinking alcohol.