If you are looking for a natural-looking and permanent solution to restore missing teeth, dental implants in Lexington are an excellent solution.
But, you've probably heard that the process of getting implants can be quite long and last for up to nine months. Does that mean that you will be dealing with discomfort for months to come?
Keep reading to learn more.
What Happens Immediately After Implant Surgery?
It will take a while until the anesthesia wears off so you won't feel much pain immediately after the implant surgery. The dentist will ask you to bite down on a gauze for about 30 minutes to an hour to help control bleeding.
After the effects of the anesthesia wear off, you may start to experience some pain and discomfort. You may also notice some swelling too. All this is normal and your focus in the next few days is to take care of the implant site to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also need to use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24-48 hours.
The Pain Should Subside in About Three Days
As we said, it's normal to experience pain after implant surgery. Your dentist will prescribe pain medications to help you manage the discomfort.
You can expect mild to moderate pain in the first two to three days after the procedure, after which the discomfort should start to reduce.
If you continue to experience pain or notice any odd side effects, contact your dentist immediately.
Lifestyle Changes After Implant Surgery
For the first few days after surgery, it is important to stick to a soft or liquid diet to avoid putting any pressure on the implant site. You should avoid hot foods or drinks as they can delay the healing process. You should also avoid using a straw as it can cause suction that may affect the implant site.
If you are a smoker, now would be a good time to stop as smoking can lengthen and even affect the healing process.
You should also focus on maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your implant site, but generally, you will need to avoid brushing or flossing the area for the first few days after surgery. Instead, you can use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
Long-Term Aftercare
After the initial healing period, it is important to continue caring for your dental implant to ensure its integrity. While it will take the implant site about two weeks to heal, the osseointegration process takes longer to complete. During this time, you need to ensure that your oral health is in good condition and that you're not jeopardizing the implant by developing cavities or gum disease.
Restore Your Smile At Palmetto Dental Associates
Dental implants are the ideal solution to restoring missing teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate. You may need to go through additional procedures until you can get the smile of your dreams.
The doctors at Palmetto Dental Associates will do everything possible to give you a beautiful and healthy smile.
Get in touch with the team at Palmetto Dental Associates and book your consultation now.