What To Expect After Dental Implant Surgery?

Implants are prosthetics that can replace missing teeth. To do this, we place titanium posts into the jaw. Once successfully integrated with the bone, we can attach a crown, denture, or bridge. For some patients, it can seem intimidating to undergo dental implant surgery. To help you feel more relaxed and confident, we have provided information on what to expect after receiving dental implants at Michaela Tozzi, DMD. While you may experience some discomfort for a few days, this treatment offers a variety of long-term benefits. Throughout your experience, Dr. Michaela Tozzi will be with you every step of the way. She will take the time to answer questions or provide information, so you never feel rushed. We encourage you to read through our blog, review our dental implant page, and schedule an appointment at our Las Vegas, NV area office.

Dental implant recovery

After your procedure, we will provide a detailed list of aftercare instructions. However, here are a few things to keep in mind during your recovery process. With good oral hygiene and regular dental exams, your implants can last for 10 – 15 years. At first, patients near Las Vegas, NV should:

• Avoid blowing their nose. If you do need to sneeze, open your mouth to prevent pressure near the sinuses.
• Stop smoking. You should not use cigarettes, hookahs, vapes, or cannabis during your recovery period because this might impact your body’s ability to heal.
• Avoid lifting or touching your lips because this might aggravate the stitches or gums.
• Avoid using a straw, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.
• Eat soft foods for about two weeks.
• Use cold compresses to reduce discomfort.
• Avoid hot foods and drinks.

The healing time will vary for each patient. Generally, it takes about 1 – 3 days to resume daily activities. You may also experience some swelling, bruising, and slight bleeding during this time. For about a week, some discomfort is expected. To reduce discomfort and encourage healing, Dr. Tozzi may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. If you continue to have pain for two weeks or if it starts happening after several months, please let us know. No matter the question, we are happy to help.

Oral care after dental implants

Properly caring for your dental implants is critical for their longevity and your oral health. We recommend brushing at least twice a day or after every meal. Patients also need to floss and use mouthwash each day. We will show you how to floss your implants during your appointment. To maintain proper oral health, patients should schedule annual dental exams and biannual cleanings at Michaela Tozzi, DMD. Additionally, some patients may need a mouth guard if they grind their teeth. A mouth guard protects the implant and reduces bone loss.

Schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants

Dental implants can help enhance your smile and improve your overall oral health. If you have any pain or general questions about what to expect after your dental implant surgery, please contact Michaela Tozzi, DMD. Dr. Michaela Tozzi is an award-winning dentist who is dedicated to helping Las Vegas, NV patients maintain good oral health.