If you are missing one or more teeth, Drs. Eddy Sauer and Nathaniel Avirett provide dental implants at our state-of-the-art facility, Shemen Dental Group, in Amarillo, TX and Pampa, TX. Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth.
However, dental implants are placed during a surgical procedure. As a result, discomfort and mild levels of pain can occur as the jawbone heals in the hours and days following implant placement. Patients who wish to minimize discomfort after dental implant surgery can follow these easy tips.
Reducing Discomfort in the Days after Surgery
To prevent unnecessary discomfort after surgery at our Amarillo clinic, patients should avoid disturbing the surgical site after placement of the dental implant. You will be provided with detailed recovery guidelines that should be followed closely. Discomfort may be experienced as the local anesthesia wears off in the hours following surgery.
Medications
Patients can prevent excessive discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medications before the effects of local anesthesia completely wear off. To address mild discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be taken every 4 to 6 hours (or as directed by one of our doctors). Moderate to severe pain may be addressed with prescription medication.
Oral Hygiene
Special steps should be taken to clean your mouth in the days following surgery. Proper oral hygiene can reduce your discomfort while preventing potentially painful infection.
Before your implant placement, thoroughly brush and floss.
You should refrain from brushing or spitting for 24 hours following surgery. You may carefully brush your teeth beginning 24 hours after surgery and when one of our doctors approves it. Care should be taken to not touch the surgical area.
An oral rinse should be used twice a day once 24 hours has elapsed following surgery. Gently swishing a salt water rinse after meals can prevent food particles from accumulating in the surgical area.
Diet
A healthy diet can speed recovery while preventing unnecessary discomfort. Solid foods should be avoided for the first few days or until one of our doctors advises. A diet of liquids and pureed foods can help you avoid disturbing or aggravating the implant area. Also, remember to drink plenty of water and not use straws for 24 hours following surgery.
Monitor Your Symptoms
In the days and weeks following surgery, it is important to self-monitor your recovery symptoms. Patients should understand the difference between normal levels of pain and signs of more serious complications.
Some level of pain is to be expected in the hours and days following surgery. Pain and discomfort should steadily subside with time.
The sudden onset of pain after the first few days following surgery may indicate a potential complication. If you experience significant pain that cannot be addressed with over-the-counter medications, please contact our office immediately.
Similarly, bleeding should subside as you heal. Placing clean gauze or a moist tea bag over the area of bleeding for 45 minutes while applying light pressure can address intermittent bleeding. A light fever often accompanies surgery. If your temperature remains over 100 degrees following surgery, let one of our doctors know.
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Shemen Dental Group, our doctors are dedicated to ensuring that your dental implant surgery and recovery are performed with minimal discomfort. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, contact us online or call (806) 358-2472 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options with a professional.
