If you’re trying to decide whether getting dental implants is right for you, you’re likely wondering what you can expect after the surgery. Naturally, you can voice any questions or concerns to your dentist during your initial consultation. However, it never hurts to start preparing ahead of time! Read on to discover the answers to 5 dental implant post-op questions that many patients tend to have.
1. Will the Recovery Process Be Painful?
There will be some discomfort while your mouth is recovering from dental implant surgery, but it shouldn’t be anything you can’t handle by taking the right steps. You can keep your discomfort under control by taking pain medication and following any instructions provided by your dental team.
2. How Long Will Post-Surgical Swelling and Bleeding Last?
Bleeding may occur for about 48 to 72 hours after dental implant placement. Fortunately, biting down on a piece of gauze can help keep bleeding under control. As for swelling, you can usually expect it to last around 3 to 5 days, although it can persist for as long as 10 days, depending on the patient. You can use an ice pack to reduce swelling while your mouth is recovering from dental implant surgery.
3. What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
Initially, you should only consume liquid foods that don’t require any chewing. This can include applesauce, broth, and protein drinks. Over time, your mouth will recover to the point where you can handle scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, and other kinds of soft foods. Once your mouth has fully healed and a prosthesis has been attached to your dental implants, you will be able to eat anything you want.
4. How Long Will I Need to Stay Home From Work?
The answer to this question won’t necessarily be the same for every patient. While many individuals can head back to work within a day or two of receiving dental implants, those with occupations that involve a lot of physical activity should give themselves more time to rest.
5. What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About?
It’s important to keep an eye out for unexpected side effects while you’re recovering from dental implant surgery. Potentially concerning symptoms include:
- Pain that is unusually severe or lasts longer than normal.
- A high fever that might indicate the presence of an infection.
- Pus around the implant posts.
Upon noticing any of these symptoms, you should call your dental office right away to see what steps are recommended for protecting the health of your smile.
Is there anything else you want to know about the days following your dental implant surgery? Don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist; they’ll be more than happy to guide you toward the answers you need.
About the Author
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray went to the Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia for his dental degree and AEGD certification. His Fairfax practice, MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, offers in-office dental implant placement for the convenience of patients who want to replace their missing teeth from the roots up. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Murray, visit his website or call (703) 934-5540.
