Preparing for a smile you love can be an exciting time, but many people also feel nervous before their procedure. You might be asking, “What should I expect after my dental implant surgery?” or “How can I manage the pain of dental implants?”
While pain is a natural part of any procedure, you can take several steps to aid in your recovery. Let’s take a look at some common symptoms you can expect after your surgery and pain management tips that can help you minimize your discomfort.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
You’ll notice several side effects after dental implant surgery, which are a completely normal part of recovery. It’s common to experience the following symptoms within the first few days of your procedure:
- Pain: Some amount of discomfort will follow any dental surgery, particularly in the first few hours after the anesthetic wears off. Dental implant pain can last about seven to 10 days.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea can be caused either by the procedure itself or as a side effect of some pain medications.
- Swelling and bruising: Bruising or swelling around the cheeks, mouth and eyes can last between five and seven days.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected in the first 24 hours. If bleeding is excessive or lasts for more than a day, talk to your dental hygienist.
How to Manage Pain and Avoid Dental Implant Complications
You can take plenty of precautions to reduce pain, diminish the risk of dental implant complications and help ensure the highest chance of success after your surgery. Your dental hygienist may recommend some of the following simple home treatments for managing pain after dental implants.
1. Follow Pre- and Post-Procedure Guidelines
Your surgeon will likely give you written instructions on what to eat and drink, how to clean your implants and what activities to avoid. Make sure you follow each of these directions as closely as possible, as they were created with your best interests in mind.
2. Avoid Disturbing the Wound
During the first few days after your surgery, blood clots will form around the wound to prevent bacteria or food from damaging the site. Sipping through a straw, spitting, rinsing or smoking can all loosen these blood clots and make it harder for the wound to heal.
Because it’s important to avoid spitting out blood during the first few hours after surgery, you can bite on a moistened gauze pad to control bleeding.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing, rinsing and flossing are essential parts of post-operation mouth care. Start brushing and rinsing around 24 hours after surgery, although your dentist might recommend that you avoid directly brushing the surgery site.
4. Manage Pain With Medications and Ice
You’ll likely receive a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics. Remember to follow the recommended doses to reduce pain and avoid infection. To manage mild to moderate pain between doses of your prescribed pain medication, take a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen every four to six hours. Eat a small amount of food before taking any medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Alternatively, you can use ice to reduce pain symptoms and swelling. Use a plastic bag filled with ice or an ice pack and put it on the cheek near the affected area.
5. Get Plenty of Rest
Give yourself time to heal before starting your regular activities. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or any other actions that might impede the natural healing process. Talk to your dental hygienist before your surgery about when you can resume your day-to-day activities.
Contact Hiossen® Implants for More Information
With the proper post-procedural care, Hiossen Implants are built to last a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more about our innovative, cost-effective solutions for a smile you can be proud of, contact us today or find a Hiossen representative near you.
