Having a missing tooth not only causes your other teeth to shift but also increases your risk of getting gum disease. That said, getting dental implants may be best for you. If it’s your first time to get a replacement for your missing tooth, one of the questions you probably have is: does it hurt?
The dental implant procedures involve surgery. Your dentist would have to cut into your gums to put in the titanium post. Although this may sound painful, you shouldn’t feel pain since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth.
However, after the surgery, when the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain. Recovery may also include pain that typically lasts for three to five days, but it can be managed by medication. If the pain lasts longer than five days or if it gets worse, you should seek medical care immediately.
You may also notice some bruising or swelling around the implant, which typically reaches a peak two to three days after your treatment. But either should naturally subside after a few days. If you experience some swelling, you can reduce it by using ice packs or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.
Dental Implant Aftercare
After your implant surgery, there are certain steps you should follow to ensure that the healing process won’t be delayed. During the first 24 to 48 hours, your dentist will advise you to stick to a cool liquid diet. But you should avoid drinking through a straw as it puts pressure on the implant site.
You should also follow a soft-food diet. This means that you should eat soft foods that are easy to digest, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, soft bread, and applesauce. In contrast, you should avoid crunchy, tough, sticky, chewy, spicy, and acidic foods to prevent damaging your implant.
To keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria, use a warm saltwater mouthwash. You can also brush your teeth but you should do so with a small-headed toothbrush that has super soft and flexible bristles. Flossing is fine, but dentists recommend oral irrigation or water flossing because your new dental implant can be cleaned without causing damage to the surrounding tissues.
Contact Pillar Dental Today!
If you’re looking for a reliable clinic for your dental implants, Pillar Dental is your best choice. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!