Dental implants get a lot of credit for being one of the best tooth replacement options there is. Not only do they look and feel incredibly realistic, but they’re also incredibly durable, with over 95% of them lasting more than 20 years.
However, the days after the surgery are some of the most precarious for your dental implant. If you’re getting one soon, you may have some questions about aftercare. Here’s a guide that may give you some of the answers you’re looking for.
Can I Drive Home?
Most dental implant surgeries will require you to be put under anesthesia. Once you wake up, you may be feeling pretty groggy. Anesthetics can also cause vision to be blurry for a while after surgery, so it’s recommended that you don’t drive for 24 hours after your procedure.
Will I be Uncomfortable?
The amount of discomfort you’re likely to feel immediately after your surgery has a lot to do with how extensive the procedure was. If you’re getting several implants at once, your dentist may prescribe you painkillers. For more mild procedures, they may not.
In either case, you can take either prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter drugs to deal with any discomfort you feel once the anesthetic wears off, which should happen about 2-4 hours after the surgery.
Do I Brush My Teeth?
A good dental routine is important to stave off infection after your surgery. Gently brush your teeth around 24 hours after the surgery, as you would normally. However, you should avoid using strong cleaners, like mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide, for 14 days after the treatment.
When Can I Eat?
It’s understandable to be hungry after surgery—even if you weren’t awake for it, you’ve been through a lot. An hour after the surgery, you can remove the gauze that your dentist put into your mouth. At that point, you can have something to eat.
Be sure to eat only soft foods for 24 hours after the surgery is complete. You should also avoid hot foods while your mouth is still numb, as you could potentially burn your mouth without realizing it.
Ultimately, dental implant aftercare is much less scary than it sounds. Ask your provider any questions you might have, and they’ll be sure to put you at ease.
About Our Practice
At Jupiter Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that patients of all stripes ought to be able to get incredible dental care tailored specifically to their needs. Husband and wife dentists Drs. Shane and Amiee Vaughn will spend one-on-one time with you so that you can get treatment customized to your unique situation.
If you have any questions about dental implant aftercare, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (561) 559-8942.