Post-Op Care for Dental Implants Franklin, TN
At New Image Dentistry, dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking way to replace your missing teeth. Placing dental implants is oral surgery, meaning there is a recovery process that must be taken into consideration. When you visit our Franklin, TN dental office, we will perform a thorough examination, take X-rays, and let you know what to expect from the implant procedure, including what to expect during the recovery process. For more information, we encourage you to call (615) 295-8290 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen Blourchian. 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 are a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Blourchian will take a 3-D scan of your jaws and teeth to assess candidacy for dental implants. He will discuss your treatment plan and answer all questions you may have. The treatment coordinator will discuss the financial investment and our flexible payment options.
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. It is important to let us know if you have had a diabetic episode recently so that we can coordinate the timing of your implant surgery for the best possible results.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
In our Franklin dental office, we encourage patients to place some soft ice packs in the freezer. Using ice packs along with taking ibuprofen can help to reduce swelling. Resuming normal activity is highly dependent on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Blourchian will review your medical history and discuss his recommendations for preparation and recovery before surgery.
What can I eat afterward?
At New Image Dentistry, we recommend you eat soft foods as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Try not to chew directly on the surgical site. You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel up to it. Please stay well nourished and well hydrated, this will accelerate the healing process. 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. 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.
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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 Franklin, TN dental office. Some minor bleeding is expected after implant surgery. It will usually subside quickly and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal and may persist for several hours. Upper implants may occasionally trigger some bleeding from the nose. This is normal and will stop quickly. You also need to take steps to keep your gums clean, so we may provide you with a medicated rinse. Otherwise, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater throughout the day. Continue to 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. For most patients, 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 better by Tuesday. If you go back to work sooner, be advised that you may not want to schedule any important meetings or client appointments and stick with light work or email communication. Since every patient and procedure is unique, Dr. Blourchian will give specific instructions for returning to work prior to surgery.
Will it be obvious that I had implant surgery?
Yes, for the first couple of days, your face will be swollen. 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. If you live in the Franklin area and want a discreet solution, wearing a temporary denture or flipper during the healing process can be in option in some cases.
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. 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.
To learn more about post-op care for dental implants, call 615-295-8290 and schedule an appointment with our Franklin, TN 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?
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Q. How long will the recovery process after implant surgery take?
Definition of Dental Implant Terminology
- 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.
- Analgesics
- Analgesics are any number of painkillers or drugs that help to relieve pain and achieve a state known as analgesia.
- Antibiotics
- Antibiotics can include a variety of antibacterial medications that treat different forms of bacterial infections.
- Bridge
- Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
- Bone Graft
- A bone graft is a surgical procedure replacing missing bone to repair bone fractures and other issues.
- Bruising
- Bruising can occur on the enamel of the teeth from a variety of factors including clenching the teeth, biting nails, grinding teeth at night or an infection.
- Chlorohexidine
- Chlorhexidine is a common type of prescription mouthwash that dentists use to help patients clean their teeth.
- Dental Crown
- A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
- 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.
- Dissolvable Stitches
- Dissolvable (absorbable) stitches will close wounds or surgical openings that professionals make inside the body. These stitches will eventually break down over time without causing harm to the body.
- 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.
- Gingiva
- Gingiva is another term that refers to the gum tissue in the mouth that surrounds the teeth.
- 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.
- Local Anesthetic
- Local anesthetic is anesthesia that dental professionals apply to one specific spot, such as the upper/lower lip or gums.
- 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.
- Periodontal
- Literally “around the tooth”
- 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.
- Smoking and Implant Failure
- Smoking can be a direct result of dental implant failure and one of the many reasons that people need to seek implant restorations.
- Swelling
- When the gums are infected or inflamed, swelling is likely to occur. It is important to seek professional treatment to remedy swelling gums.
- 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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