Discomfort After Dental Implant Surgery
As with any sort of surgery, discomfort is common as you are recovering from oral surgery to place dental implants. The tissues in your mouth will be sore after being worked on, especially around the implant posts. Dr. Burton Gooch reminds patients that some pain along the jawbone and gumline is a natural response to surgery, and this is just a temporary side effect.
The team at our Birmingham, AL dental care center would like to go over some basics related to pain after dental implant surgery. During a consultation at Gooch Family Dental, we can go over all post-op side effects in greater detail.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
This can vary from patient to patient since pain thresholds vary as does the extent of each surgical procedure. Typically the pain is most pronounced in the first day or so of surgery, particularly on the first day when local anesthetic finally wears off. Patients will notice improvements in pain each day over the course of the next several days. The pain should no longer be a major issue by the end of the week for most patients.
Take Pain Medication as Directed
To help relieve pain, patients should take their pain medications as directed. Usually prescription pain medications will be used during the first days after oral surgery. After the pain has sufficiently subsided, patients can switch to over-the-counter pain relievers, which should be taken as recommended based on the label.
Replace Gauze as Directed
Patients will have gauze in place after their oral surgery to help prevent excess bleeding in the mouth and to make sure pain is minimized. Be sure to remove and replace the gauze in your mouth as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist. This will help with overall healing and recovery.
Use Cold Compresses as Directed
Swelling and pain around the face is common after an ora surgery procedure. Use of a cold compress against the face is helpful in reducing swelling and controlling pain. Be sure to apply the cold compress to the face for about 20 minutes and then leave it off for about 20 minutes. Repeat this on-and-off pattern as needed to help keep the discomfort under control.
Adapting Your Diet to Your Discomfort
One great way to prevent excessive discomfort after dental implant surgery is to make sure you’re eating foods and drinking beverages that minimize discomfort. Consider eating the following after oral surgery:
- Lukewarm foods rather than hot/cold foods
- Soft foods without crumbs
- Foods that are not spicy
Do your best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid the surgical site if possible. Also do not use straws in the first weeks of healing as the suction can undo blood clots and negatively affect your stitches/sutures.
What to Do If Pain Does Not Improve
If your pain and discomfort does not improve as you are healing, be sure to discuss that with our practice as soon as possible. We can examine the problem in more detail and treat the issue in a timely manner.
Contact Gooch Family Dental
If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they can help you, be sure to contact Dr. Burton Gooch. He will offer answers to all questions you may have about dental wellness. You can reach Gooch Family Dental by phone at (205) 545-8001.
