Pain Management After Dental Implant Surgery
Healing and recovery are topics we discuss a fair about at our Los Algodones dental center. After undergoing oral surgery to place dental implants, pain and discomfort is normal. The degree of pain can vary from patient to patient. Most patients will notice some soreness after surgery, which is easily manageable. Other patients may note more serious levels of pain that can impact their life for the next day or so.
Thankfully, pain after oral surgery is only temporary and can be easily managed by following post-op instructions. Most patients will be able to go about their lives just fine, though they will note the soreness periodically thorough the day. Here's a general overview of how you can deal with pain after oral surgery.
How Long Will the Pain Last?
This is another factors that varies from patient to patient. In most cases, the significant pain and discomfort occurs in the first six or seven hours after the surgery. After that, residual pain will last for the first day to few days.
The issue of pain will often be over with by the end of two to three days. The same is true with noticeable bruising, swelling, and discoloration of the surgical site.
Taking Pain Medications as Directed
If you need to, patients can take pain medication as directed by their oral surgeon. Many times the pain reliever is a simple over-the-counter drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In rare instances, prescription pain killers may be provided. Be sure to take any medications as directed by your oral surgeon to prevent serious harm and ensure proper healing.
Adjusting Your Diet
One way to prevent serious discomfort is to adjust your diet so it will not trigger sensations of pain. Avoid foods that are hot in temperature as this can lead to serious sensations of discomfort. It's also a good idea to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as pureed soups, puddings, yogurt, and shakes. These should not be ingested with drinking straws, however, as the suction can affect your recovery.
Ice for Bruising, Swelling, and Discomfort
To manage swelling, bruising, and discomfort after your oral surgery, it can be helpful to apply an icepack or cold compress to the part of the face affected by the surgery. Do not apply ice directly onto the surgical site. Instead, keep the ice in a bag and apply it to your cheek or lips, with 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours after oral surgery.
Proper Oral Hygiene
To help minimize pain and ensure a complication-free recovery in the weeks ahead, be sure to engage in good oral hygiene. This typically means rinsing with a salt water solution a few times a day and gently brushing your teeth around the surgical site. While brushing may be uncomfortable for the first day or so, it is crucial for avoiding problems down the road.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants and how they can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile, be sure to contact our oral surgery and implant dentistry center today. We will work closely with you to improve the health of your smile.
