Having dental implants might make you feel both delighted and scared at the same. Many people who choose to have dental implants done are thrilled about the possibility of being able to eat their favourite foods again while still having a beautiful smile. At the same time, it is natural to be concerned about the recuperation period following surgery. Especially because dental implants must osseointegrate, or merge with the surrounding bone, in order to be effective.
Osseointegration usually takes 3-6 months in most situations. Some individuals get scared or worried due to such long tenure, however, recovery following dental implants surgery is not as severe as many people believe. So, to help you make your dental implants recover easier and faster, here are some post-surgery instructions that every patient should follow.
Common After Effects Of Dental Implants Surgery & What to Do
- Bleeding
Bleeding is common after any dental surgery. The same can be expected even after successful dental implant surgery. This situation can be accompanied by the oozing of blood and redness in saliva.
What You Need to Do?
- After the dental implants are placed, your dentist will place gauze in that particular area. You need to bite on it for about 40 minutes. Do not remove the gauze immediately to check if the bleeding has stopped or not. This would be too risky since removing the gauze can dislodge the blood clots and result in more bleeding.
- Keep your tongue away from the surgical site because applying pressure or touching the area with your tongue can loosen the implants.
- Sit upright for 4 to 6 hours. Do not pick up anything heavy or don’t do any of the exercises for some time. The moment you do either of these, you become more prone to bleeding from the dental implants.
- Bone Grafting
This technique is applied for ensuring a firmer setting of dental implants in case of bone loss. For this procedure, the dentist has to make a hole in the jawbone and then insert the dental implants. You may not feel any pain instantly since you will be under the influence of anaesthesia.
What You Need to Do?
- Leave the area untouched where the implants are placed.
- Do not disturb the wound as it will cause both bleeding and pain.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting on the day of the surgery.
- Wait for at least two weeks after getting the dental implants before you blow your nose.
- Pain & Swelling
Pain and swelling are the most obvious and common problems that patients may experience right after the dental implants are placed. You might notice some itchiness too due to the installation of an alien body in the gums. So, it is suggested not to poke the surgical area with anything sharp or even with a finger, otherwise, it will result in more pain and trouble.
What You Need to Do?
- Take the prescribed medicines on time.
- Keep your stomach full as it eases out nausea and pain.
- Have an ice cream or a mildly cold milkshake for momentary relief.
- Avoid driving instantly after the surgery.
- Apply ice on your cheeks and not directly on the surgical spot.
- Elevate your head while sleeping for the first 48 hours.
- Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol in the days following the surgery.
These three are the most common and major problems that patients face right after dental implant surgery. But, all of this can easily be tackled by just keeping the aforementioned tips in mind. To ensure the success of dental implants surgery, make sure that the treatment is from an experienced surgeon and keep the following things in mind.
Major Points To Consider After An Implant Surgery
- Have a painkiller only if your dentist prescribes it. Taking medicines without consulting the dentist can cause side effects like allergies and uneasiness and might be risky for the implants too.
- Avoid having food items that are either too cold or too hot. It is advisable to have food that is at normal room temperature.
- Try being on a liquid diet and not have anything hard that would require you to chew. This will make sure that the dental implants are not dislodged from their positions.
- Using a straw while consuming the liquid would apply a lot of pressure on the tender areas and would result in heavy bleeding and pain. Therefore, do not use a straw in any circumstance. You can simply sip directly from a bowl or a spoon.
- Once the dental implants have set in firmly, maintaining good oral hygiene is a must. So, brush without applying much force, floss only after asking your dentist and rinse your mouth with a gentle mouthwash so that no bacteria can develop.
These are some major points that you need to take into consideration to avoid pain and discomfort after dental implants. If still, you feel pain and discomfort it is advisable not to avoid it and consult your dentist as soon as possible. Besides this, keep the following useful tips in mind.
Useful Tips to Lessen Discomfort After Dental Implantation
- Rinse with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and equal parts water, or use an antibiotic mouth rinse.
- Avoid meals that are firm, sticky, or chewy since they may irritate your sensitive mouth.
- Take over-the-counter drugs exactly as directed on the label.
- Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the afflicted area outside your cheek for 20 minutes three times each day.
Final Thoughts!!!
Once your dental implants are completely settled and fixed, you will not feel a thing. But, if you still do experience any uneasiness, then contact your dentist without any delay. If you have been wearing braces, temporary dental crowns or invisible braces, you would not be required to wear them any longer after getting your implants. Moreover, your implants would completely alter your dental aesthetics and help you get your beautiful smile back. Always remember that simply getting an implant surgery isn’t enough to get your smile back unless you follow the instructions properly.
Summary: This blog highlights the post dental implant care instructions that every patient should know before getting surgery.
