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| After Implant Placement
Getting dental implants is a great solution for replacing your missing teeth, whether you are replacing just one tooth or you are replacing numerous teeth. There are so many benefits associated with dental implants. They do, however, require surgery, which means there is a recovery period. At Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are here to help you understand what will happen after your implant placement so that you can ensure proper healing and that your dental implants are successful and long-lasting. Placement of Temporary TeethIf you are not having your permanent teeth immediately loaded onto your implants, you will receive temporary teeth. The temporary restoration may be removable or fixed in nature. Whichever you choose, the temporary teeth are meant to provide you with some of your normal functionality during the recovery phase after implant placement. Your temporary teeth are tailored to meet your specific needs. Pain and Swelling After SurgeryPain and swelling are both very common after implant surgery. The amount experienced varies from person to person. For pain, we may prescribe you a medication to help manage it. Some people may be able to manage their pain with over the counter medications. Your pain should subside in the days and weeks following surgery. Swelling typically peaks 2 to 3 days after surgery. Ice packs during the first 24 hours can help to keep swelling to a minimum. After 24 hours, switch to using moist heat to help the swelling subside faster. Taking Care of Your Mouth During RecoveryOral hygiene is essential for proper healing, but you will need to take special care around the surgical sites. A salt water rinse is recommended several times a day, particularly after meals, to help keep your mouth clean. Avoid brushing around the surgical areas for the first few days. Then it would help if you begin brushing your implants very gently in addition to brushing your teeth. Eating After SurgeryA healthy diet is crucial for healing. However, you may not be able to eat most of your favorite foods in the beginning phases of healing. We recommend that you stick to eating mainly soft, nutritious foods. These types of foods can include smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft cooked noodles, scrambled eggs, and soups. It is important that you do not skip meals. Eating plenty of nutritious foods can help to give you energy and ensure that you heal quickly. You should also make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. What Issues Might Arise After Implant Placement?There are some issues that can occur following implant placement. These issues might include infections and dry socket. For implants placed in the lower jaw, there may be sensation problems due to the placement of an implant near the nerve. In most cases, nerve issues will resolve on their own, but in rare instances, they can be permanent. Following your aftercare instructions will keep your risk for complications to a minimum. Getting Your Permanent TeethAfter you have healed, a process that can take several months to complete, you will be provided with your permanent replacement teeth. We will follow your recovery closely and monitor your situation to determine the best time to place your restorations. They are created from impressions of your mouth and help to provide you with a perfectly natural, functional smile. For more information on what to expect after your implant placement, call Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 562-459-3311 today. |
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