Dental Implant Surgery Side Effects
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June 26, 2018
Side effects are a natural part of the recovery process. Following the oral surgery to place dental implants, there are a number of common side effects that patients should note. This will give them a good idea of what the entire treatment process entails.
Our Chicago, IL dental care team has listed some of the most common implant surgery side effects below. We’ve also offered some advice on how to manage these side effects, and what patients can do if they have a possible emergency on their hands.
Common Dental Implant Surgery Side Effects
Pain and Discomfort
After oral surgery, a little bit of pain and discomfort is only natural. It should be most noticeable in the first day or so after the surgery, with improvements from there on as you heal.
Patients are encouraged to use prescription painkillers as directed to manage their pain. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be used once the pain is less severe yet still an issue.
Minor Bleeding
A little bit of blood from incision areas may appear in your saliva. As long as the bleeding is minor, everything is normal. The bleeding should no longer be an issue after a few days.
To minimize bleeding after oral surgery, avoid strenuous physical activity and be sure to focus on rest early on.
Tooth and Gum Sensitivity
The area around the gumline where the dental implants are placed will be tender. This applies to the bone, the gum tissue, and even surrounding teeth. These issues will abate over the course of a few days as the tissues heal.
To avoid tooth and gum sensitivity, be sure to eat and drink lukewarm foods/beverages. Avoid spicy foods as well as foods with crumbs as these can irritate the sutures and incision areas.
Discoloration Around the Gums
Bruising and discoloration along the gum tissue is normal and to be expected. The discoloration should fade after a few days, and no longer be a major issue after two weeks. So long as the coloration improves, you are doing all right.
Swelling of the Gum Tissue
Swelling is also common following any sort of surgical procedure. As with the discoloration, swelling will be an issue for about two weeks. It should no longer be too noticeable along the gumline around that timeframe.
Mild Swelling Around the Face
The post-op swelling may affect parts of the face around the area where the surgery was performed. Be sure to keep that in mind as you are recovering. This will last for a week or two weeks, with improvements from day to day.
To help manage bruising and swelling, you can apply a cold compress covered in a towel to the affected part of your face. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then take it off for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat the process as needed to help address a number of these post-op side effects.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If your side effects get worse or you have a pressing concern, do not hesitate to contact your dentist or oral surgeon. It’s better to have these matters addressed immediately as a means of avoiding serious complications.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information about dental implants and whether or not they are right for you, be sure to request an appointment with Dr. Couvelis at North Pier Dental Associates in Chicago, an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at North Pier Dental Associates will help you get the treatment you need.
