What Happens After Dental Implant Placement?

If one of your teeth has fallen out, a dental implant is one of the options you get to choose from when it comes to tooth replacement. These devices are placed directly into the patient's jaw, and it serves as an artificial tooth root. It also anchors the crown that is placed on it to serve as a replacement for the lost tooth.

Life after getting a dental implant

Now that you are past the first stage of getting implants, you might be wondering what goes on afterward. This article will explore that and provide some tips on speeding up the recovery process.

1. Arrange for transportation home

Anesthetics are used during implant installation, and this can lead to a loss of coordination and blurry vision for up to 24 hours after the operation. Patients are advised to arrange for a ride home since it will not be safe for them to operate machinery or vehicles during this period.

2. There will be some bleeding

Blood coming out of the site of the implant surgery is common for the first 72 hours. The bleeding can be reduced by placing gauze over the site and biting down on it. Patients should keep spitting to a minimum since this aggravates the surgical site and promotes bleeding.

Those who get an implant placed in their upper jaw might deal with some blood coming from their nose.

3. Wait an hour before eating

Patients should wait at least an hour after the procedure before eating or drinking anything. It is best to stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours. Hot meals and drinks should be avoided for at least a few hours after the treatments. Straws should be avoided for the first 24 hours after dental implant installation. The suction forces created while using a straw can aggravate the surgical site, preventing it from healing properly.

4. The anesthetic wears off after a few hours

The pain and discomfort a patient experiences after implant surgery typically depends on how extensive the surgery was. The anesthetic used usually begins to wear off within a few hours, and the dentist will prescribe pain medication if they expect a high enough level of discomfort.

For most patients, over-the-counter painkillers are enough to get them through the recovery process.

5. There might be some swelling

Some patients experience some inflammation after getting implants inserted, but this should not last longer than three to four days. This facial swelling can make it more difficult for the patient to open their mouth or swallow.

The swelling can be minimized by applying an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes at a time. This should be repeated a few times over the course of a day.

6. Antibiotics are typically prescribed

Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics after implant installation. This is done to prevent infection of the surgical site. Patients are advised to take their medicines as prescribed and to finish the dosage.

Come explore implants with us

Thinking about implants in the New York area? Stop by our office to learn more about this tooth replacement option and what goes on after implant installation.

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