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Recovery after

Implant Surgery

guidelines for success

During the dental implant recovery period, you will need to make adjustments and exercise caution to aid in proper healing. Drs. Eddy Sauer and Nathaniel Avirett in Amarillo, TX, are trained in implant dentistry and can guide you to a successful recovery. By educating you about what to expect and how to care for yourself at home, our doctors strive to prevent complications so that you have the most pleasant recovery experience possible.

How long does recovery take?

You can return to work within a few days. Full recovery from the procedure will require four to six months, during which time osseointegration will occur. During this biological process, your dental implants will fuse with the jawbone and form a stable, durable foundation for your restoration.

What to Expect

For the first few days, you may experience:

  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Discomfort
  • Nausea

If any of your symptoms seem concerning or excessive, you can reach out to our office to speak with a member of our team.

Restore Your Smile

Recovery Instructions

To help prevent complications, it is highly recommended that you closely follow our recovery guidelines:

1

Managing Pain

Typically, over-the-counter pain medication is more than enough to manage any discomfort. However, you may be prescribed medication in some cases. You can also place ice packs on the outsides of your cheeks to reduce swelling.
2

Diet

During your initial recovery, you should not eat foods that are hard, hot, or that can get stuck in crevices. Patients usually eat a soft food diet which can include: Soup, Pudding, Yogurt, or Pasta. You should also avoid using straws for the first few days to prevent dislodging the blood clot at the surgical site.
3

Exercise

After you return home from surgery, you should spend the remainder of the day lying down and resting. While you can move around more during the next few days, activity should be limited. It is important that you do not exercise, as strenuous activities can trigger bleeding and swelling.
4

Oral Health

It is important that you keep your mouth clean by maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine throughout the recovery process. However, when brushing, it is important to use caution around the treatment area. You should also rinse with salt water two to three times per day.
5

Smoking & Alcohol

It is recommended that you quit smoking several weeks before your dental implant procedure and abstain through the entirety of the recovery process. Smoking can negatively impact your ability to heal and is a common factor in implant failure. Heavy alcohol consumption can slow the efficacy of osseointegration.

Potential

Consequences

Although implant surgery has a 95 percent long-term success rate, these side effects could cause the implant to fail entirely in severe cases. Our doctors are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns throughout the recovery process. If the proper measures are not taken to allow for proper healing, you could experience the following symptoms:

  • Infection

  • Nerve damage

  • Dental injury

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Your Health is Our Priority

At Shemen Dental Group, your oral health is our priority. To learn more about dental implants or for questions about your recovery, contact us online or call us at (806) 358-2472. We look forward to helping you restore your smile.