What Should I Expect After Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implant treatment involves the placement of a titanium tooth root on the jawbone of a missing tooth. The procedure is invasive, meaning the healing period will last longer than other dental restoration methods. After the procedure, the dentist in Paoli will provide tips to speed up the recovery process. On top of that, the dentist will explain some of the side effects you should expect afterward. Keep on reading to know what to expect after dental implant surgery.

What To Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?

24 Hours After Treatment

Immediately after undergoing dental implant surgery, you might feel a little drowsy. This is because of the sedation administered at the procedure’s start. This is why the dentist recommends having someone drive you home after the surgery, as it is challenging to do so under sedation.

There can also be a little bleeding after the placement of the tooth implants. Little blood is normal; you should use gauze to control the bleeding. The anesthesia wears off in 2-3 hours, so there can be some pain in the surgical area. Over-the-counter painkillers will help you cope with the pain after surgery.

1 To 3 Days After Surgery

Swelling and bruising around your face during this period are expected. This is nature’s way of recovering from such an invasive procedure. A cold compress is recommended to reduce facial swelling. After doing so, you should combine a hot and cold compress whenever you notice swelling. You should stick to softer foods as hard foods can dislodge the blood clot.

3 To 7 Days After

There should be no swelling by this time, or the swelling should be reduced significantly. Your body will have healed well so that you can resume your daily routine. However, you should avoid strenuous activity, bending or stooping.

1 To 2 Weeks After

2 weeks after the procedure, your tooth implants should have healed nicely, and you’re back to your routine. The dentist who installs dental implants near you will schedule an appointment to check your progress. You will require an abutment tooth or crown, which will be installed 4-6 months after the procedure.

What Are Some of The Dental Implant Aftercare Tips?

Now that you know what to expect after dental implant surgery, some tips can help speed up recovery. They include:

Avoid hot beverages and foods – hot foods and drinks can stress your mouth tissue. The tissues around the surgical site need some time to heal. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to warm foods and drinks. Besides avoiding hot foods and drinks, you should avoid contact with the surgical site. You should not run your fingers or tongue over the treated area. In addition, you should avoid hard foods immediately after the surgery. This is because the local anesthesia has not worn out, and you might mistakenly bite the soft tissues in your mouth or injure your tongue.

Use a warm saltwater rinse- during the first week after treatment; your focus should be keeping your mouth free from bacteria. Besides brushing and flossing your teeth, a warm saltwater rinse ensures no harmful bacteria in your mouth. Mix a few tablespoons of salt in a glass full of warm water.

Use an icepack to reduce swelling- as mentioned above, facial swelling is normal after dental implant surgery. Fortunately, a cold compress can help bring the swelling down. Wrap 5 to 6 ice cubes in a muslin cloth and place on the side of the cheek where swelling occurs.

Use painkillers to manage pain- pain is natural after dental implant surgery. The dentist in Paoli will recommend over-the-counter painkillers to deal with the pain. Some of the most common painkillers to cope with the pain during the recovery period are Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

Maintain proper oral hygiene- how well you take care of your teeth, gums, and wound plays a big role in the recovery process. You should not rinse your teeth at least 24 hours after treatment. After that time has lapsed, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and less abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth.

Dental implant surgery is one of the most effective methods of replacing missing teeth. Although it is an invasive procedure, combining proper oral hygiene and making appointments at the Dentist of Paoli will ensure you’re up and about in no time.