Making Implant Treatment Recovery more Comfortable

Dental implants successfully restore the healthy function and appearance of a smile, after the loss of natural teeth. The implants are placed into the jawbone using a surgical procedure, which involves cutting the gums open, and then drilling a hole into the bone where the implants will be located. Once the implants are in place, they will be covered with gum tissue which will be stitched closed; the implants are then left to integrate with the surrounding tissue during the healing period. The teeth restorations, such as dental crowns or a dental bridge, will be attached to the implants after the healing period is completed.

The placement of dental implants involves surgery, which is followed by a recovery period in which the surgical site is left to heal. During this time, it is important for the patient to follow all of the dentist’s instructions to ensure that the implant site heals correctly and safely, and to avoid any complications from developing after the implants have been surgically placed. Right after the surgery, the patient is encouraged to get plenty of rest to recover more quickly from the procedure, and also to hasten the healing of the implant site.

Bleeding can be expected right after the implants are placed, but this should taper off within a few hours after the surgery. In cases when heavy bleeding continues even after a few hours have passed, it is best to call the dentist immediately for further instructions. The bleeding can be managed better if the patient does not engage in vigorous physical activity for the first few days following the surgical procedure. Pain and discomfort may be present after surgical procedure for placing the dental implants into the jawbone. This pain can be relieved by taking pain medication as prescribed by the dentist, and also by refraining from doing any strenuous activities. A cold compress may also be applied to the outside portion of the cheek closest to the surgical area to temporarily help in relieving the discomfort.

During this recovery period, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. The mouth can be cleaned by using warm saltwater, which should gently be swished inside the mouth. Gargling is discouraged as the pressure exerted can disturb the surgical site. A soft or liquid diet is advised during the recovery period. Consuming solid and hard food should be avoided because these can accidentally poke the surgical site, and can cause more discomfort or complications.