Healing After Dental Implants: What to Expect

The dental implant process can sound quite daunting:

The dentist will drill through your jawbone to insert a metal post that will act as the root of an artificial tooth. 

While the implant will need about six months to fuse with the surrounding bone and tissue, the actual healing process isn't that long. 

So, here's what to expect after dental implant surgery. 

Immediately After the Implant Surgery

You will likely experience some swelling and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. You may also notice some mild bleeding too. These side effects are normal and not a cause for concern. 

Your dentist in Chevy Chase may prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.

It's imperative to follow your dentist's instructions and avoid certain foods, such as hard or crunchy foods, for a few days. You will also have to rinse your mouth with salt water to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

The Next Few Days

During the first few days after the implant surgery, you will continue to experience some mild bleeding and swelling. You can help reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time. 

You'll also need to stick to a soft food diet. Foods such as soup, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are good options during this period. 

‍The First Week

As the days go by, you should start to feel better. The swelling and discomfort should begin to subside, and you'll be able to start incorporating more solid foods into your diet.

It's still essential to avoid chewing directly on the implant site. Stick to softer foods that are easy to chew. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can slow down the healing process.

The First Month

All the symptoms should be gone by now. At around this time, you'll also have a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check on your progress. If everything looks good, you'll be given the green light to start chewing on the implant site.

However, you'll still need to be careful when eating hard or crunchy foods. You should also continue to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

When To Seek Urgent Care? 

If you experience any complications or have concerns about the healing process, be sure to contact your dentist right away. They can give you some advice on how to manage your symptoms and promote healing. They may also call you in for a quick consultation to make sure that there is no serious issue with your implant. 

Have More Questions? Don't Hesitate to Call Us! 

We get it if you are nervous about the dental implant process. That's why the team at Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry is here to answer all your questions. 

Send us a message online and tell us about your concern. You can also call us at (301) 637-0719 to book your appointment with Dr. Eric Morrison.