The best way to have a pleasant dental implant surgery recovery is knowing what to expect in the days that follow your treatment. Whether you are receiving a single tooth replacement or having multiple dental implants placed to restore your oral health, these recommendations compiled by Implant Dental Center can help you recover quickly and successfully.
The First Day
After your procedure, gauze will be applied to the operative site before you leave our office. You can leave this in for around 30 minutes before taking it out. No further gauze is required if the bleeding has stopped. You can apply another piece of clean gauze if the region is still bleeding, and bite down firmly and steadily for another 15 minutes. Emergency dentists usually recommend biting down on a tea bag for 10 minutes to help reduce bleeding.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, oozing is usual. You can, however, bite down on a wet tea bag if the bleeding is mild to severe. Tannic acid, a component of tea, shrinks capillaries and blood vessels to stop bleeding. For further information, call our office if the bleeding is still severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers can treat any soreness. You might also have received prescription drugs from the dentist. It’s crucial to take them exactly as instructed.
For the first 24 hours, apply a cold compress to the outer jaw every 20 minutes to lessen swelling. For at least 48 hours following surgery, you should refrain from engaging in any vigorous activities. There is a higher chance of bleeding, edema, and discomfort when your heart rate rises. We also advise sticking to a diet of soft foods.
The First Week
Most of our patients find may find that discomfort or swelling begins to diminish around day three or four following surgery. During the first week, any absorbable stitches will likely start to come out. The tapering off of over-the-counter drugs can be done as needed. Nevertheless, depending on the complexity of their treatment, some patients might need to continue taking these medications for at least a week. For your first follow-up appointment, we typically see you seven to ten days after your procedure. After the first week, most patients can resume regular eating and work routines.
Total Healing Timeframe
Most of the time, dental implants will require a 2-3 months of healing before the final restoration is attached. Even though you’ll feel fine a few days after surgery, your jawbone won’t fully recover for several few weeks. During this period, osseointegration, a process that fuses the bone to the implant, will take place. Everybody’s recovery times can be highly different. But generally speaking, it takes three to four months. Your overall therapy may take longer if any preliminary surgeries, including bone grafts or sinus lifts, were necessary.
Keeping up with your regular hygiene is crucial throughout this stage of your recovery. Maintaining good oral hygiene will maintain your teeth and gums in good condition and stop oral microorganisms from hindering your recovery.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have any questions regarding dental implants and the recovery process, please contact our office. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will happily answer any questions you may have. Implant Dental Center is located in Houston Texas and can reached at 713-829-5282.
