There are certain things the patient should do when preparing for dental implant surgery. Also, understanding how the aftercare process works can help the patient prepare mentally and physically and make the process go as smoothly and easily as possible. This review offers a detailed insight into what happens after dental implant surgery.
What to expect after dental implant surgery
After dental implant surgery, the patient needs to manage the pain and swelling, arrange for a time to heal properly and eat a soft diet. After the mouth heals and the implant fuses together with the jawbone, the patient can schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist to place the abutment and artificial tooth.
Managing pain, swelling and bleeding
The patient is under local anesthesia during dental implant surgery. However, after the procedure, there is swelling, discomfort and minor bleeding. To manage these side effects, the dentist may prescribe or recommend pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. Home care treatment, such as ice packs and using gauze to control bleeding ,may be recommended as well.
Arranging for time off from work or school
The patient only requires a week or two at most away from their normal routine. As they recover, they can return to work, school and other activities. However, for the initial period after dental implant surgery, the patient should arrange for time to rest, heal and recover. This ensures that there are no setbacks and that the patient is able to fully focus at school or work once they return.
Eating a soft diet and drinking water
Chewing will be more of a challenge after dental implant surgery. Also, excessive chewing may affect the area of the implant and cause complications during recovery. Subsequently, patients should stick to a diet of soft foods. It is also important to limit the intake of sugar and other carbohydrates, which can help reduce the risk of an oral infection or increased swelling during the recovery process.
Allowing the implant to osseointegrate
Osseointegration refers to the process of the dental implant, a metal screw-like post, fusing together with the jawbone. This is an essential step to ensure that the artificial tooth is reliably supported in the long term. The healing and fusion process for the implant takes between two to six months.
A follow-up visit for abutment and tooth placement
After the dental implant osseointegrates with the jawbone, then a second procedure is scheduled to place the abutment of the implant and the replacement tooth. For single tooth replacement, a dental crown is attached, whereas a dental bridge or an implant-supported denture is used for replacing more than one tooth. The second procedure is less invasive and does not take long to recover from.
Find out more about dental implant surgery from our team
Are you interested in dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth? If so, give our friendly and experienced dental team a call today. We help patients through treatment, from the consultation visit to providing aftercare and check-up visits after treatment is complete.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drbrucematson.com or call Bruce Matson, DDS at (713) 481-4626 for an appointment in our Houston office.
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