After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a great, permanent alternative to dentures. They allow you to have a full set of teeth that look and act just like natural teeth without the hassle of removing them every night or the worry of them falling out or no longer fitting. Implants require surgery. Whether you need to replace one tooth or a whole bridge, the experienced surgeons at Huronia Oral Surgery Group will take great care of you. Because implants are a surgical procedure, there are some things you should know about the healing process after your procedure is completed.

Bleeding

After your surgery, gauze will be placed in your mouth to help stop the bleeding. Change this every 30 minutes until the bleed has settled.

If the bleeding is heavy and hard to settle. Use the gauze and your finger and apply direct pressure for 20 minutes. Continue this until the bleeding has settled. If you still have concerns, please give the office a call. If it won't stop or it becomes excessive, however, or you are concerned, you should contact the surgeon's office.

Swelling and Discoloration

Any swelling after surgery is normal. Applying ice can keep it under control.

Discoloration or bruising is also normal following surgery. Don't panic if your gums look bluish or purple. This will go away over time as it heals. After 48 hours, you can switch to moist heat for soreness and tenderness.

Managing Pain

As with most oral surgeries, some pain and discomfort is to be expected. The best way to manage it is to take the pain medication that is prescribed to you. Taking it before the freezing wears off will decrease the intensity you would initially feel. If advised, you can also take over-the-counter pain medication as well to supplement your prescription.

Sometimes, you are prescribed an antibiotic after surgery. If so, make sure to finish them as prescribed.

If your pain is unbearable and can't be managed with prescription and over-the-counter medicines or you notice anything unusual that might point to the beginnings of an infection, contact the surgeon's office immediately.

Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling ill or vomiting after surgery is also not an uncommon occurrence. You can also take an over-the-counter antiemetic like Gravol for this. Flat soda can help ease nausea. If you are still having issues, please call the office.

Diet

Nutritious food is imperative to proper healing. For the first day, we would like you to have soft, mushy foods and liquids. You will still have freezing; we don't want you to chew and bite your tongue or lip. Once your freezing has worn off, you can chew on the other side of your surgery side and as your jaw tolerates it. Stay away from hard, crunchy, sharp foods as well as those that can get stuck, like popcorn, nuts, seeds, and chips.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is important for proper healing and avoiding infections. You may be prescribed a special rinse to use to clean the areas where the implants were placed. You can start to use a saltwater rinse after the next morning. Salt can help reduce inflammation. Use these rinses as necessary, especially after eating, to help clear out any food that may still be lingering.

It is also important to maintain your normal daily hygiene routine to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Brush your teeth, but take extra care around the gums. You want to avoid irritating sensitive areas.