Recovery Request: 3 Dental Implant Post-Op FAQs

Many dentists consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth. They’re the only restoration that is surgically inserted into your jawbone which means they offer unique advantages over alternatives like dentures and dental bridges. They function as a sturdy stand-alone structure, making them easier to clean and requiring fewer dietary restrictions.  

However, many patients get anxious about the procedure and want to know what to anticipate from recovery. If you’re feeling nervous, continue reading to learn about 3 frequently asked questions about post-op expectations to set your mind at ease!

Question #1: Can I Drive Home?

Although it depends on your circumstances, your dentist typically recommends that you plan to have someone drive you home after your surgery. While you’ll almost certainly be numbed, you might also be sedated. If that’s the case, then you likely won’t be able to drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. It can take some time for the effects of the medication to wear off and you might experience some mild nausea or blurring of vision as they do.

Question #2: Is Recovery Painful?

How much discomfort you’ll feel afterward generally depends on how extensive the procedure is. If your provider didn’t prescribe pain medications then they probably anticipate that yours will be mild or minimal. It’s normal to have some swelling, slight bruising, and aches as the anesthesia wears off. This is a natural part of the healing process and usually isn’t anything to be overly concerned about. It typically reaches its peak around 3 to 4 days following your surgery and then starts to subside.

In many cases, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen can adequately reduce the impact. You can also hold an ice pack to the throbbing side of your face for 15 to 30 minutes within the first 24 hours. The cold temporarily numbs the area for a brief but well-deserved reprieve.

If your pain persists or gets progressively worse after the first week, please contact your dentist to let them know. They may want to see you to ensure that everything is healing as it should be.

Question #3: Why Do I Need Antibiotics?

Like any surgery, getting dental implants comes with a few potential risks. There are many germs in your mouth and they’re likely to infect the incision site if proper precautions aren’t taken. As a result, most dentists prescribe antibiotics for you to take after your procedure to reduce the risk of a potential infection that could lead to implant failure.

You should follow any post-op instructions that your dentist provides in detail to ensure that you heal as quickly and efficiently as possible after your dental implant surgery!

About the Practice  

At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, you and your family benefit from several dentists who work together to provide a comprehensive array of services to meet all your oral healthcare needs under one roof. They have state-of-the-art technology in-office so that they can handle everything from routine checkups to more complex cases onsite. That way, you don’t have to worry about finding an outside provider for your surgery. They also offer sedation for patients who are overly anxious or have longer, invasive procedures so that you remain comfortable the entire time. If you’re suffering from tooth loss and are considering dental restorations, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (904) 751-4958.