What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

Most of us automatically associate oral surgery including dental implant surgery with severe pain and long recoveries.  However, with advances in oral surgery techniques as well as medications, this does not have to be the case.  Careful surgical technique, appropriate medications and patients’ compliance with post-surgery instructions will enhance your rapid and uneventful recovery from dental implant surgery.  Proper nutrition and good oral hygiene also play a large role in a patient’s recovery.

The level of discomfort after the placement of dental implants is usually quite minor and can often be managed with an NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Advil or even Tylenol (if your doctor has advised you to avoid NSAIDs).  In some cases, narcotics such as Darvocet or Lorcet are prescribed for pain relief post dental implant surgery.

Swelling and bruising are usually minimal or absent post dental implant surgery.  If it occurs, it will usually peak at forty-eight hours, rapidly resolve, and will be negligible by the fifth day after surgery.  Mild bruising of the facial skin may occur but will usually clear in three to five days.  Many patients do not experience any bruising at all.  Bleeding is usually minimal if present at all.  Patients may experience some mild oozing for up to twenty-four hours after dental implant surgery.

It is really important to communicate with your oral surgeon after your dental implant surgery so that he/she can make sure that your recovery is going as expected.  It is also important to closely follow any pre-operative instructions that you receive from your doctor.

There is no reason to fear dental implant surgery.  If you have not pursued dental implants because of a fear of the procedure itself, call an oral surgeon today.  A qualified oral surgeon can give you more information about what to expect after dental implant surgery.