Dental implant surgery is a safe and relatively swift procedure. However, the recovery period is crucial if you want your implants to succeed. If you are considering implants, bear in mind that recovery takes commitment and necessitates following instructions carefully. Dr. Edward C. Yates is a dentist in Norwich. He can provide you with full or partial dental implants. Here are some frequently asked questions about recovering from dental implant surgery.
How long does dental implant recovery take?
Exactly how long recovery takes will depend on several factors including the number of implants you have had, whether you need bone grafting, and the overall health of your mouth. Generally, you should expect to feel some discomfort for the first two days after surgery and possibly some swelling. Within a week your mouth should be feeling normal.
Will my gums bleed after surgery?
You may notice some minor bleeding from the site of your new implants. This is completely normal and should resolve within 48 hours. Stick to biting onto your surgical gauze rather than rinsing and spitting to help the bleeding subside. If the bleeding does not stop after 72 hours or worsens, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How and what should I eat after surgery?
You must treat your implants with care for the first few weeks, to allow your jawbone to fuse with the titanium posts. For the first week, you should eat soft foods if you only had a few implants. If you had more implants, you should eat soft foods for the first six weeks. You should also avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages and alcohol. You should also avoid smoking.
Will I need stitches?
Your dentist may suture your gums around the implants to help speed the healing process. If so, these will dissolve within 3-5 days.
Can I carry on with my usual oral hygiene practices?
After 24 hours you should continue as normal with your oral hygiene practices. This means daily brushing and flossing. You should also rinse your mouth gently with a mild saline solution.
If you live in Norwich and would like to find out more about dental implant surgery, call Dr. Yates at 860-889-6445 to request an appointment.
