You’ve just had dental implant surgery and you likely have many follow-up questions. How will you get home? When can you get back to work? How do I care for myself during recovery? These are some of the most common questions patients ask themselves. Let’s look at these questions and provide some answers.
Can I Drive Myself Home?
First things first: You have to make it home from the office! If you were under oral conscious sedation, you may find it difficult to focus or remember details. For these reasons, you’ll want to avoid driving or operating machinery for the first 24 hours or so after surgery. Schedule a ride with a trusted friend or family member.
When Can I Eat?
You’ve gotten a ride home, but when can you eat something? Before zipping through the drive-through for some spicy Mexican food, you may want to think it over.
First, wait an hour after surgery or until you see a blood clot over the site before going without the gauze sponges from your mouth. Then, make sure you eat something soft like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soups. Avoid hot foods and drinks for several hours, and don’t drink from a straw for at least one day – it could dislodge your protective blood clot!
Will I Be in Pain During Recovery?
Your discomfort will depend on just how extensive your surgery was – for instance, how many implants and if it was more or less invasive. If the dentist doesn’t prescribe you medication like pain relievers, they probably feel that you’ll be in minimal pain. In this case, over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be enough to soothe you through recovery.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
Many patients report that they’re able to return to work the day following their surgery, though again, this will vary from patient-to-patient, depending on their individual needs, their treatment, and their line of work. If your job is physically intensive, it may be wise to schedule a day or two off.
If going to the gym is part of your routine activities, avoid going for several days post-op. Raising your heart rate and blood pressure could cause complications like excessive bleeding at the implant site.
It’s also worth noting that prescription pain medicine may inhibit your ability to work or do things that require concentration and coordination, like driving.
Will There Be Follow-Up Appointments?
Your dentist will probably want to first see you within 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery to assess initial healing and remove sutures (if applicable).
Around the 3 to 6-month mark, a second appointment will focus on monitoring the progress of osseointegration, a process in which the jawbone fuses with the implant. If the implant has fully integrated, the restoration can then be fabricated and placed.
Every 6 months after restoration, you should return to the dentist for your regular checkup and cleaning. Your dentist will also examine the implants at this time to ensure their success.
It’s important that you know how to handle your recovery, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist any questions. Drink plenty of water, refrain from strenuous physical activity, and give your mouth time to heal before re-introducing it to your normal foods. Following your dentist’s instructions can help you have a smooth recovery and successful implants.
About the Practice
Let the professionals at Premier Dental handle all your concerns about dental implants. Drs. Adam and Giuliana Jones are both prosthodontists, meaning they are certified specialists when it comes to repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing ones, and tackling even the most complicated cases. Our team prides itself on giving you personalized attention, whether it’s routine checkups or full-mouth reconstruction. Visit our website or call our Vero Beach office at (772) 234-5353.