Many patients develop anxiety about getting dental implants, even if they know it’s the best way to replace their missing teeth. This may be because these are the only restorations that are surgically placed into your jawbone for added strength and stability. It’s natural to feel nervous about such an in-depth procedure, though usually there’s nothing to worry about. Your dentist will numb or sedate you so that you feel calm and comfortable the entire time.
Afterward, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions to heal as quickly as possible without developing complications. Continue reading to learn about three frequently asked questions that many people have about their implant recovery, so you know what to expect.
Question #1: Is Bleeding Normal?
If the sight of blood makes you nervous, then you might need to gather your courage. It’s normal to have some oozing from the surgical site for anywhere from 48 to 72 hours after your appointment. Your dentist will have placed gauze over the site to help slow the flow. You can bite down on this firmly for the first hour immediately following your procedure to keep pressure on the wound.
A slow flow for several days is not uncommon, but if your bleeding doesn’t stop or gets worse, please contact us right away to let us know. We may need to see you back to ensure that your implant is placed correctly and can heal as intended.
Question #2: Is Recovery Painful?
Your dental team will apply a topical anesthetic and/or sedate you for the procedure, so you don’t feel discomfort. However, it’s normal to have some aches and inflammation once the meds wear off. The more implants you have placed, the more likely you are to experience some unpleasant sensations. It’s generally safe to take over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen or apply a cold compress for a brief reprieve.
If your provider prescribes pain medications, it’s important to take them exactly as directed to avoid potential side effects.
Question #3: When Can I Eat?
Essentially, you can try to eat something as soon as you feel ready and able. You might feel some lingering nausea from any sedatives or anesthesia that was used, so be careful not to overdo it. Also, it’s best to stick with soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or pudding that won’t irritate your aching gums and jaw. Avoid eating or drinking anything that’s too hot, spicy, hard, crunchy, or sticky because it could dislodge the blood clot that must form over the implant site to heal.
Although you might be sore and swollen for a few days, following your dentist’s post-op instructions is the best way to ensure a swift recovery!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee takes pride in helping people build happy, healthy smiles intended to last. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Then, he completed a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Now, he combines a gentle and caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re interested in dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (740) 236-9392.