Guide for Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery

Once your dental implant surgery is over and has gone well, you’re going to want to comfortably recover and follow your surgeon’s advice to ensure maximum healing. Below are a few tips to keep in mind after you leave our office upon undergoing a dental implant surgery.

Bleeding

After your surgery, your surgeon will place a gauze pad over your surgical site. Place gentle pressure on the gauze pad and remove it after about 60 minutes. If bleeding is persistent, replace the gauze with a new piece moistened with a few cool drops of water. You can replace the gauze every 30-60 minutes until the bleeding has stopped. Some mild bleeding and redness in your saliva is normal up to 24 hours after your surgery.

Swelling

Swelling is normal after surgery and can peek at about 48 hours after your procedure. To minimize swelling, place an ice pack or bag of ice on your cheek adjacent to your surgery. Apply ice for 20 minutes and then remove the ice for 20 minutes before applying again. After the first 24 hours after surgery, a heating pad or warm towel can be used to help reduce swelling.

Pain Management

Once the surgery is completed, you will be numb in the area of the surgery. Implant procedures do not typically cause a significant degree of discomfort. However, you will still likely be prescribed medications to help control soreness after surgery. It is best to stop by your pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions immediately after surgery. Consider taking your pain medication prior to the numbing agent wearing off to help better manage your discomfort.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids after your surgery. Try to avoid any overly hot foods as this may cause bleeding or discomfort at the sensitive surgical site. Liquids and soft foods should be consumed on the day of your surgery. Try your best to resume your regular diet thereafter unless directed otherwise by your surgeon. Nutrition is key to healing. Furthermore, you’ll be less likely to deal with side effects such as nausea caused by pain medication or antibiotics if these medications are taken on a full stomach

Oral Hygiene/Brushing Your Teeth

Good oral hygiene and a clean mouth is very important for healing. Brushing your teeth and over your implant healing abutments is not a problem. You may also receive a prescription for Peridex mouth rinse. Please follow the directions provided by your surgeon. You will typically rinse with the mouthwash for 30 seconds twice per day.

A dental implant will be one of the best and smartest investments that you will make. You will have the opportunity to feel confident, smile, eat, and speak like you may not have previously been able to do. Please call our office to set up your dental implant consultation.