Dental implants are often thought of as the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, mostly due to the fact that they can restore them in terms of look, feel, and function—and they can last for a lifetime with the right care. But maybe you don’t need convincing; maybe you’ve already scheduled your appointment and are looking forward to restoring your smile, but you could still have questions about the post-op part of the process. Here are some common questions you can ask your dentist to ensure you have all the confidence you need!
1. Should I Expect Pain After Dental Implant Surgery?
You can anticipate some mild discomfort during the first few days after your implant surgery. Most patients compare it to the feeling after a tooth extraction, and thankfully, over-the-counter pain medication is often all you need to manage this soreness. You can also expect some intermittent bleeding and swelling, which can also be managed with gauze and cold compresses, respectively. Things should steadily improve each day, but after 3 or 4 days, or if things become severe, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know.
2. What Can I Eat and Drink?
For the first few days, stick to softer, chilled, or room temperature foods such as yogurt, eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, broths, protein shakes, smoothies, and other similar items. Just be sure to avoid using a straw, since the suction can affect your surgical sites as they heal. You should also refrain from chewing directly on the implant sites until things have properly healed. Avoid anything hot or spicy, as well as hard or crunchy options.
3. When Can I Resume My Normal Daily Routine?
Most patients return to work very quickly following dental implant surgery, but it’s best to avoid strenuous and intense physical activity for at least the first 48 to 72 hours. Remember, you’ll still need someone to drive you home following your appointment. You can resume light activities as soon as you feel up to it.
Healing from dental implant surgery should be smooth and predictable for the most part, but it helps to know the specifics before going into the process. Your dentist will be more than happy to answer any questions you have to help you feel confident about restoring your smile!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Tracy D. Jenkins, our team here at Discover Family Dental has served the needs of patients and families in Idaho Falls for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including dental implants placed in-house—and we’ll provide you with everything needed to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment, call or reach out online today for more information. Telephone: (208) 522-8061.