Dental Implant Surgery Recovery Tips & FAQs
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Dental implant surgery recovery can be made a lot easier on you if you do some pre-planning. In this article, we will share some useful tips on tooth implant recovery and answer some questions related to that topic.
Dental Implants Recovery Tips
Arrange For A Ride Home
For dental implant surgery where a general anesthetic is used, as in putting you to sleep during the procedure, you will require someone to transport you home. Not only will you risk being light-headed after the surgery, but it is also common for patients to have blurred vision for some time following the procedure. Your dental professional will likely advise you to not drive or operate heavy equipment for at least 24-hours after you receive your implants, so you will need a ride.
Only Eat Soft Foods At First
After an hour, you should be able to remove the gauze pads placed in your mouth by your dentist, unless advised otherwise. If you continue to bleed, then replace the gauze with a new piece. For at least the first 24-hours following your surgery, just eat soft foods to give your gums and mouth a chance to recover. You should also refrain from consuming hot or spicy foods or drinks in the same time frame. Introduce solid foods slowly over the next few days. Don’t drink using a straw as the decrease in pressure can cause bleeding.
Promote Blood Clot Formation
While you still have the gauze in your mouth, you can help speed the healing process by biting down firmly on the soft sponges. Using slight pressure will help to reduce the bleeding that is common following dental implant surgery. Refrain from rinsing your mouth as the water may irritate the sensitive tissue causing further bleeding.
Don’t Smoke
The healing process that follows any type of oral surgery can be negatively impacted by smoking too soon after the procedure. Plus, smoking increases the odds of infection. Statistics verify that dental implant failure is more common with smokers than it is with non-smokers.
Pay Attention To Excessive Bleeding
You may experience more bleeding than you expected. There are ways to treat this as you continue to heal. Here are a few suggestions that will reduce bleeding and increase comfort:
- Wipe away large clots gently
- Place a pair of folded gauze pads over the location of bleeding
- Place a moistened non-herbal or decaf tea bag in gauze and bite down on that
- Bite down on the gauze in your mouth for about an hour
- Repeat these steps until the bleeding is reduced
Reduce Swelling When Possible
Swelling is another common occurrence following oral surgery. Facial swelling can increase the first few days after the procedure and can be reduced by applying a cold pack to the cheek and keeping it there for a few minutes at a time. Remove for about twenty minutes, then reapply. Switch to low heat after a day and the swelling should start to subside.
Do Not Skip The Antibiotics
You will be required to take antibiotics following your dental implant surgery. They will be essential in reducing your dental implant recovery time and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Even if you do not feel much pain or have few symptoms, antibiotics are an important component of your recovery plan.
Plan A Follow-Up Appointment
Your dental implant healing time will require a follow-up appointment with your dental professional. Typically, this takes place three weeks after surgery.
Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery FAQs
Have some questions related to dental implants recovery? Here are answers to several of the most common questions asked about this process.
How long will it take to recover fully?
Recovery times vary related to the complexity of the procedure. If you receive just one or two implants, recovery time whereby the pain has reduced to minimal levels may be within 24 to 48 hours. If there were multiple implants, bone, and/or tissue grafts, the recovery time can be one to two weeks.
Is The Procedure Painful At All?
As this type of surgery requires just a small incision in the gums, there is minimal pain. It is not uncommon to receive a prescription pain relief medication if your procedure has a higher amount of invasiveness. If you experience any pain, it should subside in a day or two.
How Do I Care For My Implants As They Heal?
You must practice good oral hygiene throughout the process. This means that during the first day following the procedure, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water will be helpful. After the first day, you can gently brush your teeth.
What Will The Healing Process Be Like?
After receiving dental implants, recovery will include a degree of soreness and tenderness. These conditions will gradually disappear each day. If the pain increases, contact your dental professional. You should have received a prescription pain reliever and must take it as directed. Your face and location of the implants may swell slightly and that will also pass over the following few days.
When Can I Go Back To Normal Activity?
It depends on each individual. Some patients can go back to their daily routine on the same day as their surgery. Others require a day or more to fully reach that level of comfort. It is important to refrain from any type of vigorous activity for at least three days following the procedure.
How Long Before I Receive My Permanent Crowns?
Your dental implant surgery will include temporary crowns that you will go home with. About four to six months after this procedure you will receive your permanent crowns or caps. The length of time varies concerning the full healing of individual patients. If your dental implant surgery was not very invasive, the time frame for healing will be less.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery should not be taken lightly. Many factors can impact the length of time taken for full recovery after dental implant procedure. However, if you use the tips noted above, it should make your recovery a bit easier and help it to go by quicker.
If your dental implant surgery recovery is taking longer than you expect, or there are some issues that arise, it is best to speak with your dentist ASAP to minimize the chance of complications with the implant healing process.
