Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

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At Woodside Dental Care, we can provide you with information regarding post-op care for dental implants. This is the most durable and natural-looking way to replace your missing teeth, but it requires oral surgery, meaning there is a recovery process that must be taken into consideration. When you visit our Queens, NY dental office, we can conduct an examination, take X-rays, and let you know what to expect from the implants procedure. This also includes what to expect during your recovery process. For more information, we encourage you to call (718) 682-7559 and schedule an appointment with Maribel Montes, DDS, Melvin Velazquez, DDS and Sylvia Arsuaga, DMD. In the meantime, here is what you should know.

What happens before the implant procedure?

Prior to getting started, we will conduct an examination to determine if you have cavities or infections in any of your other teeth or if you have gum disease. If so, these things will need to be treated prior to placing implants. It is critical that you start the process in good oral health. This initial exam and X-rays will also determine if you have sufficient bone density to support dental implants. If you do not, you may need a bone grafting procedure prior to getting started.

Is there anything that can slow down the recovery process?

Yes, if you are a diabetic and have been unable to control your blood sugar, it can make it more difficult to recover from the procedure. This makes it important to let us know if you have had a diabetic episode recently, so we can coordinate the timing of your implant surgery for the best possible results.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

In our Queens dental office, we encourage patients to place some soft ice packs in the freezer. Using them, along with taking ibuprofen, can help to reduce swelling. You should also buy soft foods to eat and plan on taking a couple of days off work. Your gums will be swollen and sore for a few days, so while you will be able to work, you will not be feeling 100 percent and may have difficulty communicating like normal. If you need to work, ask if you can have light duty for a few days or if you can work from home.

What can I eat afterward?

At Woodside Dental Care, we recommend you eat soft foods that are not too hot or too cold. For example, you should buy yogurt, soft cheese, ice cream, soup to eat at a warm temperature, and fruit to make smoothies. This way, you can receive the nutrition you need without irritating your gums. You can slowly begin to add normal food back into your diet, but should avoid eating anything hard, sharp, or difficult to chew for several days. For example, eat a hamburger without the bacon or an omelet instead of waffles. During your recovery, you need to make these simple adjustments that allow you to eat what you need without exposing your gums to anything harmful.

Do I need to do anything to treat the site of the surgery or my gums in general?

We will provide you with gauze before you leave our Queens, NY dental office. It is natural to experience some bleeding. Before you leave, we will ensure that any bleeding is at a manageable level, and by using gauze for the remainder of the day, it should stop. You also need to take steps to keep your gums clean, so we may provide you with a medicated rinse. Otherwise, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater throughout the day. You should also brush your remaining teeth, but be careful not to irritate your gums while doing so.

When will it be safe to go back to work?

You can expect to be sore and have swelling for three to five days. This is why we recommend having the procedure toward the end of the week so you can take a couple of days off work and use the weekend to recover. Generally, if you have the procedure on a Thursday, you should feel normal by Tuesday. If you go back to work sooner, be advised that you may not want to schedule any important meetings or client appointments, but stick with light work and email communication.

Will it be obvious that I had implant surgery?

Yes, for the first couple of days, your face will be swollen. While no one will be able to tell what type of oral surgery you had, it will be clear that you had a procedure. Do not worry, this is perfectly normal. While it can be inconvenient for a few days, the end result is worth it because you will have a natural-looking and durable replacement tooth. At Woodside Dental Care, we also provide our patients with a temporary denture to wear. This will restore the appearance of your smile while you are waiting for the crown to be attached. If you live in the Queens area and want a discreet solution, wearing a temporary denture is a must.

What is the recovery process like when the tooth is attached?

Once the titanium implant and your jawbone have fused together, your jaw will provide a base of sturdy support for your replacement tooth. Essentially, it will be as strong as a natural tooth would be. Since the invasive portion of the procedure takes place when we surgically implant the post, attaching the crown is not an issue. You may feel some slight sensitivity in your gums, but this will be minor and easy to control with ibuprofen. There will be no swelling or extensive recovery associated with this aspect of the process. You will most likely only need to go through the recovery stage once.

To learn more about post-op care for dental implants, call (718) 682-7559??? and schedule an appointment with our Queens, NY dental office. We will be happy to answer any questions you have, so you can be confident in your decision to get started.

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What happens during the implant procedure?

Q. What foods can I eat after the surgery?

Q. Will the implants be obvious?

People Also Ask

Q. How long will the recovery process after implant surgery take?

Q. How do I take care of my dental implants?

Q. How many people wear dental implants?

Definition of Dental Implant Terminology

3D CT Scan
A 3D CT Scan involves using a computed tomography scanner to create a 3D image of one’s teeth, mouth, jaw or other body part for examination.
Abutment
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Dental Implant Coatings
Dental implant coatings help to anchor the surrounding bone more efficiently and fight bacterial infection better than in the past.
Dental Implant Connectors
Dental implant connectors are also known as abutments and connect the implant screw to the dental crown.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that refers to an individual who is lacking tooth.
Endosteal (endosseous)
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal (subperiosteal)
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
Endosteal Implants Types
An endosteal implant is one of the more common types of dental implants that professionals place in a patient’s mouth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Oral Surgeon
An oral surgeon has the necessary skills and completes the proper training to treat a variety of injuries or diseases in the mouth, neck, face or jaw.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Periodontist
A periodontist is a specialist that studies and treats diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structure of teeth.
Periodontal
Literally “around the tooth”.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist is a dental professional who goes through special training to focus on the design and placement of artificial teeth.
Resorption
Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are dental implants that consist of a metal framework that dental professionals attach under the gum tissue.
Transosteal (transosseous)
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.

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