It's been amazing to watch the science and technology behind dental implants explode throughout our dental careers. Dental implants are simply a modern marvel, and they can provide a wide range of both aesthetic and medical benefits. We've enjoyed seeing our patients beam with newfound confidence after years of embarrassing gaps from tooth loss, and we know those same patients experience long-term oral health benefits from having implants fill those gaps.
Uncertainty about what to expect with a dental implant procedure and the fact that most insurance plans don't cover implants are the two main reasons people who need them don't get them. We hope dental insurance will expand access to dental implants someday, but in the meantime, we're going to break through some of that pervasive uncertainty and talk about a few things to expect after dental implant surgery.
What about the pain?
Dentists typically advise their patients to begin with some kind of pain medication as soon as they start to feel the local anesthesia from the surgery begin wear off. Many patients are OK with an over-the-counter pain medication to begin with and may need a prescription pain medication if pain is more severe. Make sure to tell your dentist if you're allergic to any pain medications before the surgery.
How long will the whole dental implant process take?
There's really no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Individual conditions, health, age, and many other factors can make the entire process vary in length because of the healing periods needed between the steps. After your initial surgery in which the post is placed, you will need several months to heal and for the bone to fuse to the post. Most dental implant procedures take a total 6-8 months, but there are certainly many outliers.
How do I keep my mouth clean after my dental implant procedure?
It's especially important to keep your mouth clean after your surgery. You can brush your teeth the evening after the surgery, but be very careful around any surgical areas. Don't use mouthwash for a couple weeks after surgery, but you can use a mild saltwater rinse periodically to reduce swelling and bacteria growth.
How bad is the swelling?
Swelling is a normal occurrence after any surgery. You should experience the worst swelling within a few days of the procedure. Prepare for this by stocking your freezer with ice packs. Alternate the ice packs on the swollen spot for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off for the first couple of days after you get home.
Thanks for reading!
Your dentist will give you a more thorough rundown of the aftercare instructions for your dental implant, but we hope this information is useful to help you understand the process a little better. If you enjoy our blog posts, please like our Facebook page to see the newest ones!