Dealing With Dental Discomfort After An Implant Procedure

Posted on: 24 August 2019

Dental implants have revolutionized the way people address missing teeth. While the implantation process is undoubtedly considered surgery, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little pain they feel after the pain medication wears off. When you leave the dental office, you will likely be given some instructions on what to expect and how to handle any discomfort you might feel. To help you get ready for an upcoming implant procedure, take a look at some of those tips so you can be ready ahead of time.

1. The discomfort level can vary from person to person, but very few dentists provide prescription pain relief for their patients after an implant procedure. Some people never take anything but some dentists may advise patients to take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If that does not seem to be doing the trick, let your dental office know about it.

2. Salt water has marvelous properties when used after dental surgeries. It helps destroy any bacteria lurking around that could cause an infection and it also works to relieve discomfort. Use warm water with a bit of salt dissolved in it, and be sure to swish it around gently for a minute or so before spitting it out in the sink.

3. You can expect some swelling and pain in the outlying areas. It is entirely normal to have some discomfort in your jaw, in your cheeks, and even up near the eyes. Use some ice, particularly on the first day after the procedure, on those areas to help prevent any bruising and to relieve the inflammation. Never hold ice near the skin for an extended period and always make sure there is a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice. Packages of peas or other frozen veggies can work well for this purpose.

4. Continue to use good oral hygiene practices by brushing, flossing, and rinsing as usual. Your dentist will probably advise you to avoid placing the brush directly on the site of the surgery, however. Use gentle movements as not to irritate any vulnerable tissues.

5. Treat yourself to soft foods, especially soft and cold foods like frozen yogurt, ice cream, fruit and veggie smoothies, milkshakes, and yogurt.

6. Try to take things a bit easier for a few days after the surgery. If you can stay home and relax, your body will recover better. Avoid the gym for now and don't do any heavy lifting. If you've had intravenous (IV) sedation for the implant procedure, be aware that your reaction time and concentration could continue to be affected by it for several days afterward.

Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions and call the office for questions. Reach out to your dentist, such as George Kourakin, to learn more.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.