If you are planning to get a dental implant, you may wonder what to expect after the procedure. You may also wonder how long it will take to resume your day-to-day activities or routine. Will there be oral pain for a few days following the surgery? Read on to learn more about what to expect after getting dental implants.
Immediately After the Dental Implant Procedure
Depending on the sedation level your oral surgeon gave you, you may feel a bit off after the dental implant procedure. You may experience light seeping, bleeding, and some swelling. Your dentist will advise avoiding pulling on your lip to view the implant site. You should also avoid poking it with your fingers or tongue.
Gauze sponges on the implant site will mop up blood and protect it. You can remove the gauze after one or two hours. You can eat soft foods that are not hot but cold or tepid. Avoid drinking hot drinks or using a straw.
Expect your local anesthetic to wear off a few hours following your dental implant procedure. You will experience slight discomfort. Fortunately, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can alleviate the discomfort. Your dentist will give you instructions to help guide you on how to use these medications and others prescribed.
One to Three Days After the Dental Implant Procedure
You may have some bruising and facial swelling during this time. Do not get alarmed, as this is a natural way for your body to recover. You can reduce the swelling by using a cold compress on the outer part of your mouth. You can also use a hot compress to see if there will be a considerable reduction in the swelling.
You can partake in hot foods or drinks after the first four hours. However, your oral surgeon will still advise you to take softer foods like pasta, fish, and soup. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods. You can resume brushing your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain oral hygiene and health.
Three to Seven Days After the Dental Implant Procedure
Your facial swelling will have disappeared by this time. You can now go about your routine or activity as usual. However, avoid bending, stooping, or strenuous exercise. Try incorporating textured meals into your diet, with fruits like plums and well-cooked vegetables.
One to Two Weeks After the Dental Implant Procedure
You should start noticing significant improvement during this period. You can reintroduce different foods as you see fit into your diet. However, avoid crunchy or hard-to-chew foods like toffees, steaks, raw vegetables, and apples. You can undertake light exercise. However, avoid cardiovascular activities that may be heavy, like running.
Two Weeks and Beyond
Your dental implants should be healing well at this point. You should resume your daily routine. Your dentist may want you to come back for a follow-up appointment, usually after three to four weeks after the surgical procedure, to ensure your recovery and healing go well.
They will then ask to see you again to uncover your dental implant and to finally make a fitting of an abutment and the prosthetic tooth or crown. It usually happens four to six months post the procedure.
For more about dental implants, visit Marietta Smile Gallery at our office in Marietta, Georgia. Call 770-809-1500 to book an appointment today.
Powered by: 