Dental Implant and Oral Surgery after Care

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The time it takes to get well from dental implant surgery varies depending on the number implanted teeth, bone graft, and how well the patient controls his or her recuperation. The technology behind dental implants has advanced dramatically in recent years, reducing post oral surgery pain and increasing patient comfort.

Recovery Time

If you have a single dental implant done with no bone grafting, you will often have the quickest recovery time. There is very minimal discomfort or pain following a minor operation like this one. Mild bruising and discomfort are possible side effects, although they are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medicines. The recovery period and discomfort can be prolonged in more severe implant instances, like where many teeth are inserted or when significant bone grafts are required to complete the implant.

After Surgery

It’s crucial to maintain your mouth clean following surgery, which you may accomplish by gently rinsing it with saltwater starting the day following. Brushing your teeth can begin the night after surgery, but be very delicate around the surgical region to avoid disrupting the healing process. It’s important to remember that smoking and sucking using a straw are both harmful to your healing process in the week following surgery. For the first seven to ten days after your surgery, eat mostly soft foods before returning to your regular diet.

As you can see, the healing time following a dental implant is quite predictable and painless. It’s critical that you follow the directions we provide you, and remember that you can always phone us if you have queries about a procedure or after your oral surgery or teeth extraction.

Following Surgery

The patient recovers for a day or two after surgery to place posts of dental implant in the jaw bone. For the first 24 hours, swelling and discomfort are to be expected. It is not advisable to drive home alone after an operation, especially if the patient has been numb. The University Of Washington and School Of Dentistry offers more detailed instructions on how to proceed after implant surgery.

  • For at least one hour, and up to three hours, bite on sponges put in your mouth to prevent bleeding.
  • For eight to twelve hours, sit with your head raised and avoid moving too much.
  • Apply an ice pack to your face for 15 minutes at the operation site, then take out it for 15 minutes. To minimize swelling, repeat as needed throughout the day.
  • For the first 48 hours after surgery, drink and eat only soft foods and liquids.
  • As recommended by your dentist, take all recommended medications.
  • Do not rinse your mouth for the first day. After that, softly clean your mouth with salt and warm water after each meal.

As You Recover

It can take six weeks to nine months for the gums and jaw bone to heal and conform to the implant posts after surgery. For several weeks, the patient may have gum discomfort. Soft foods, cold snacks, and warm soups are good for reducing discomfort. The dentist can advise on when it is okay to use dental restoration that sit on the gums if the patient habitually wears them. See Dr. Wooten for oral surgery here at Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma. He is an expert in dental surgery and can serve you well.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

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