Many dentists consider dental implants to be the gold standard of replacement teeth because they offer unique advantages over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges. They’re the only restoration that’s directly inserted into your jawbone which gives them added stability. They also boast an incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, but they’re not entirely unable to be harmed. Caring for them properly is essential to prevent potential failure, especially immediately following your surgery. Read on to learn the answers to 3 frequently asked questions about post-op instructions!
Question #1: Is Bleeding Normal?
It’s natural to have some oozing around the surgical site for 48-72 hours after your implant procedure. Your dentist will place gauze over the wound to help slow the flow, but you’ll need to change them out periodically once they become saturated. Also, keep in mind that blowing your nose or rinsing and spitting can stimulate bleeding so do your best to avoid it for a couple of days.
If the bleeding gets heavier or doesn’t start to slow after a few days, place folded gauze over the site and bite down firmly. Then, contact your dentist so that they can ensure that everything is mending as intended.
Question #2: When Can I Eat?
You can potentially have something to eat about an hour after your procedure if you’re feeling up to it. Steer clear of any foods or drinks that are overly hot because they can dislodge the blood clot that must form for the surgical site to heal. Also, stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing, and try to keep it on the side of your mouth opposite your implant. Some popular selections are:
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Soup (not too hot)
- Smoothies
Question #3: Is Recovery Painful?
The amount of discomfort after your procedure is based on how extensive your surgery was. For example, if you have multiple implants, your mouth is more likely to have increased soreness and swelling. You’ll likely have some aches as the anesthetic wears off. If your dentist prescribes medications, be sure to follow the directions in detail. Otherwise, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter options like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
In many cases, the throbbing is at its worst about 3-5 days after your appointment and then begins to dissipate after the first week. If it gets worse or doesn’t subside, let your dentist know so they can follow up appropriately.
Your provider might include additional post-op orders that you should adhere to as closely as possible to heal quickly without complications!
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lavery has 30+ years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He attended Rutgers College for his undergraduate years before completing his dental training at the New Jersey Dental School (now the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). Since then, he has committed thousands of hours to ongoing educational opportunities to provide a full range of services, including dental implants. If you’re considering this treatment and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (609) 534-2636.