Dental Implant Surgery Recovery Tips & FAQs
Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by Jade
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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, you will require someone to transport you home. After the surgery, you not only run the risk of feeling light-headed, but you might also experience blurred vision for some time. Your dental professional will probably advise against driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your implants procedure. Therefore, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
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 keep bleeding, replace the gauze with a new piece. For the first 24 hours following your surgery, consume only soft foods to give your gums and mouth time to heal. Also, avoid hot or spicy foods or drinks during the same period. 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 the 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. The first few days after the procedure may see an increase in facial swelling. You can reduce this by applying a cold pack to the cheek and leaving it there for a few minutes at a time. After about twenty minutes, remove it, 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
How long will it take to fully recover?
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?
This type of surgery only requires a small incision in the gums, resulting in minimal pain. If your procedure is more invasive, you might commonly receive a prescription for pain relief medication. Any pain you might experience should subside within 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?
Each person’s experience varies. Some patients return to their daily routine on the same day they have their surgery. Others need a day or more to fully regain comfort. Refraining from any vigorous activity for at least three days after the procedure is important.
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, using the tips noted above should make your recovery easier and quicker.
If you find your dental implant surgery recovery taking longer than expected or facing any issues, you should speak with your dentist ASAP to reduce chances of complications with the implant healing process.
