Do you have an upcoming dental implant surgery? It’s understandable if you have lots of questions about what to expect after your procedure. Your oral surgeon will be happy to talk to you about any concerns you have. In the meantime, you can check out this list of five common questions that patients ask about the post-op experience.
Will I Bleed? How Much Bleeding Is Normal?
It is normal for some oozing to occur in the first 2 – 3 days after the surgery. Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon will have you bite down on some gauze for at least an hour to control initial bleeding. Resist the urge to rinse and spit; doing so might make bleeding worse. If you experience extremely heavy bleeding after you get home, call your oral surgeon’s office and let them know what is happening. They will provide you with additional instructions.
When Will I Be Able to Eat?
You may be able to eat about an hour or so after your surgery. However, it is important that you stick to soft foods, such as applesauce, smoothies, or brothy soups. After your initial healing period, you might be able to progress to consuming fork-tender foods (anything that is easy to cut with the side of a fork).
Can I Drive Myself Home?
Sedation is used for most dental implant surgeries. The medications that are used to help patients relax are usually quite powerful. You may be too groggy to safely drive yourself home, so your surgical team is likely to require that you have a friend or family member ready to serve as your transportation.
How Much Pain Should I Expect?
The entire dental implant process is much easier and more comfortable than most patients anticipate. In fact, most people are feeling well enough to return to work within a day or two after their surgery. With that being said, keep in mind that your oral surgeon may prescribe a pain medication for you; be sure to take it as instructed. If they do not prescribe a painkiller for you, you may take over the counter medications. Taking plenty of time to rest, avoiding hard and crunchy foods, and carefully following other post-operative instructions can keep your discomfort to a minimum.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Problem?
If you ever suspect that there is a problem with your dental implants, whether it is right after your surgery or even weeks or months later, you should seek professional help right away. Issues like abnormal swelling, an implant that feels loose, and pus are all possible indicators of an infection. Fortunately, infections are rare; dental implants are successful in over 95% of cases.
You can view your dental implant surgery as the beginning of your new smile! Your oral surgeon will do everything they can to ensure that you experience an easy, complication-free recovery.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, William Shepard, and Thomas Weil have many decades of combined experience as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They are always ready to answer patients’ questions about dental implant procedures. To learn more about them or to schedule a consultation, contact our practice at 713-783-5560.