If you are preparing for the next phase of dental implant treatment – oral surgery – you likely have many questions about the post-op recovery that is inevitable. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate this part of the process is essential to avoid complications and promote better healing. Before you move on to the next step, here are the answers to four common questions about the post-surgery experience.
Will I Be Able to Drive Home After Surgery?
No, you will not be able to drive home after your surgery. You will need to have someone escort you to and from your appointment to ensure you arrive safely.
Oral surgery requires that you receive local anesthesia, so you can expect to be numb, but you may also receive sedation to keep you more relaxed in the treatment chair. It’s best to have a friend or family member drive you home after your appointment, as you will be instructed not to operate any machinery or drive for at least 24 hours.
Will I Be in Pain During Recovery?
You can expect to experience some soreness and minimal discomfort during recovery, as your gums and bones need to heal. You can take prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort if needed.
Just be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and prescribed dosages to avoid issues and keep your discomfort to a minimum.
Fortunately, these symptoms will only last a short time.
Can I Brush My Teeth After Surgery?
You will need to keep up with your oral hygiene after dental implant surgery, but you should wait 24 hours before brushing or cleaning your teeth. After this initial timeframe, you can resume brushing as normal. You will just need to be careful around the surgical sites to avoid further irritation.
You might also find it helpful to rinse with mild salt water to keep your mouth clean and free of bad bacteria. Be sure that you don’t use mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide for at least two weeks.
How Soon Will I Receive My New Teeth?
When you receive your new teeth depends on whether you received a bone graft beforehand and what kind of restoration you need. In general, it can take several months (4-6) before you can receive your new teeth. This is because your mouth needs to heal from surgery.
Also, it takes time for technicians to build your new teeth.
All of this information will be delivered to you during your consultation so that you do not face any sudden surprises. Instead, you will be well prepared when preparing to receive your new smile.
About Grand Dental – Lockport
Dental implant surgery is performed in-house in our Lockport dental office, so you never need to worry about a referral. At Grand Dental – Lockport, our dentists are experts in dental implant placement, so you will stay in one place with the same professionals you know and trust. If you have additional questions about what recovery will be like, visit our website or call (815) 836-0001 to schedule a consultation.