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It’s important to understand what to expect after dental implant surgery to ensure you have the best recovery possible. This includes properly cleaning and caring for your dental implants, maintaining a diet that will allow for healing and knowing which side effects are normal and which are not. However, with the techniques Dr. Khullar employs during implant surgery our patients have little to no post-operative pain.
With proper care, implants will last a lifetime
While obviously each person’s case is different, recovery after dental implant surgery generally occurs in a series of phases. The primary focus with your new dental implants should be maintaining proper oral hygiene. For the implant to properly fuse with the jawbone, it must remain clean. When properly cared for, a dental implant can serve its owner for life.
After your surgery
Following dental implant surgery by Dr. Khullar in Little Rock, you must take detailed care of the area surrounding your new implant. For the first month the dental implant is still integrating with the bone and tissues so your daily care routine will be somewhat more involved during this initial period. Above all, do not disturb the wound in the first few days following surgery. Avoid spitting, rinsing and touching your mouth for 24 hours after surgery to avoid irritating or contaminating the surgical site.
It's critical to follow these care instructions after your surgery:
ANTIBIOTICS
To prevent infection at the surgical site, you should take all prescribed antibiotics. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, you should begin using the prescribed oral rinse twice daily alongside a warm saltwater rinse 4-5 times daily (preferably after every meal/snack).
BLEEDING
Blood in your saliva is normal during the first 24 hours following surgery. Dentalways in Little Rock suggest biting on gauze pads to help control and lessen blood flow. Gently bite down on the gauze pad and try to maintain constant pressure, repeating as often as needed, or until bleeding lessens.
DEALING WITH PAIN
Shortly after your dental implant surgery by implant dentist, Dr. Khullar, the anesthetic will wear off. You should begin taking pain medication before this happens. Any over-the-counter pain medication can be taken (e.g., Tylenol®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, etc.).
DIET
Dentalways recommends an initial diet of soft foods, but you can resume a normal diet as soon as you feel capable of doing so. Stay hydrated. It is critical that you are drinking plenty of fluids.
HYGIENE
The surgical site must be kept clean, in order for the dental implants to heal properly. Continue to brush your teeth as you normally would, but avoid any sutures and don't brush the implant. The antibiotic and saltwater rinses will disinfect the implant itself.
SWELLING
After dental implant surgery some amount of swelling is to be expected. To help minimize swelling, try to keep your head elevated and lower your activity level as much as possible. Use ice packs for the first 48 hours and apply continuously, or as frequently as possible to minimize facial swelling.
WEARING YOUR PROSTHESIS OR NIGHT GUARD
Partial dentures, flippers, full dentures, retainers, or night guards should not be used for at least 10 days following surgery. If there are any special circumstances, our practice in Little Rock will discuss those with you during your pre-operative consultation.
SMOKING
Smoking after dental implant surgery has an increased risk of infection, which also increases the risk of dental implants failing to integrate. Dentalways suggestion you don't smoke for a minimum of 2 weeks after dental implant surgery.
What does recovery involve?
If you maintain proper at-home care and hygiene, the amount of oral discomfort you experience should gradually lessen. Swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding may still occur. If any pain does continue, continue using the pain medications.
Healing time differs depending on whether you receive immediate crown placement, or if you wait for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Your recovery time frame will depend on your individual case and treatment plan. Dentalways will schedule follow-up appointments accordingly.
