Whether you’ve already undergone your surgery, or you’re just interested in dental implants from the office of Dr. Brett Blacher, you may be wondering what to expect after your treatment. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the top FAQs, and provide you with all the details you need.
Will I Feel Pain After Implant Surgery?
You may feel some pain or discomfort after dental implant surgery, once your numbing and sedation wear off. However, this is usually fairly mild compared to other oral surgeries, such as tooth extractions. If Dr. Blacher prescribes you pain medication, fill the prescription and take it as directed. If not, you can deal with pain by taking an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol. Icing the cheek near the affected area can also help with pain and discomfort.
How Do I Care For My Mouth After Surgery?
You can brush your teeth normally, but avoid the extraction site for 2-3 days. This ensures the blood clots are not disturbed, which could interfere with healing. During this time, you can rinse your mouth with salt water. Avoid spitting forcefully when rinsing, since this could dislodge the blood clots.
After about 3-4 days, you can brush the implant site very gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your other teeth can be brushed normally. We recommend avoiding electric toothbrushes for at least 2-3 weeks.
When And What Should I Eat As I Recover?
You can eat as soon as your mouth is no longer bleeding and you are able to remove your gauze pack. Eat something soft and nutritious like yogurt, applesauce, or pudding. Avoid very hot foods, and don’t drink from a straw for at least 24 hours.
After about a day or two, you can move on from liquid foods to very soft foods like scrambled eggs, macaroni, and rice. You should avoid really crunchy, tough, and difficult-to-chew foods for at least a week or two. As a rule, your discomfort can be your guide. Never eat anything that causes you pain or discomfort.
When Can I Get Back To My Normal Routine?
Some people go back to work, school, and their normal routine on the same day as surgery. As a rule, though, we recommend taking a day or two off, if possible. As far as exercise goes, we recommend avoiding heavy exertion for 2-3 days. Exercising too soon after your surgery could cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort.
How Long Will It Take To Fully Recover After Dental Implants?
Your mouth will likely feel “normal” after about two weeks. At this time, the vast majority of initial healing will be complete. You should feel no pain or tenderness, or only minor pain if you touch or press the implant site. By now, you should also be able to go back to your normal diet and oral hygiene routine.
However, the process of “osseointegration” where your jaw bone heals and bonds to the dental implant will take 3-6 months to complete. So while your mouth may feel normal, you’ll still have to wait a while until your crown can be placed and your procedure can be completed.
Explore Your Options For Tooth Replacement With Dr. Brett Blacher
Dr. Brett Blacher is a highly experienced implant dentist in Lombard. If you’re interested in the benefits of dental implants and you’d like to restore your smile, we’re here to help. To schedule an implant consultation, just contact us online or give us a call at (630) 916-0701. Dr. Blacher will examine your mouth, discuss your options for treatment, and help you decide if implants are right for you.
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